Help with fungi ID needed :)

[cybershot]

Originally Posted by cutecoot

Thanks JP 'tis all very confusing! (and glad to hear it is even for those a bit more expert at it! ) I really thought they were two different things as they looked so different.

This variation in appearance can be illustrated perfectly by executing a search of the WAB Gallery using Piptoporus betulinus Also this year I have noticed that many of the immature new specimens did not have the firm context of previous years even to the extent that some felt almost soft and hollow. Maybe down to too much moisture at the wrong time of year

David

[ron1863]

Originally Posted by cutecoot

Oh, thanks for that all, gets so confusing with these things because they look so different at each stage of their lives ..! (Bit like how confusing it can be with birds when you have to take into account juvenile plumage, winter plumage, etc, etc !)

OK, can label that one up now ... will no doubt be back with more later!

Hi cutecoot, I can't agree with the bird analogy, fungi are way more difficult to identify than birds. There are only so many birds in the U.K. and the different species all virtually look the same.
The fungi species can differ greatly from age, colour, condition, etc. It's really frustrating trying to identify them even with several books and the help of WABs fungi Fuhrers

[cutecoot]

Originally Posted by ron1863

It's really frustrating trying to identify them even with several books and the help of WABs fungi Fuhrers

Hi Ron, I think I might just give up and go home in that case (oh, hang on, I *am* home ! )

[cutecoot]

I have a couple more I need help with .. all purple ones which, again, look nothing like I have in my guide.



Are these all various stages of the Amethyst Deceiver .. or maybe that first one a wood blewit? I really have no idea! (apologies for poor quality photos .. am really just using this as a learning exercise than good photography!)

[flaxton]

Hi
I would say 1,2 & 4 are Amethyst Deceiver and I am putting the really deep colour of 2 down to the photograph.
3 is Mycena rosea/pura. With the umbonate cap rosea is more likely.

Mal

[cybershot]

I think you are right about Laccaria amethystina - Amethyst Deceiver which can vary greatly with age and environment and appear almost white under certain conditions. Except that is for pic #3 which is possibly Mycena pura.

David

[cutecoot]

Really didn't think no. 1 was, but did think no. 3 was, so you've all put me straight on that! Thanks again

[NickCantle]

Four is a mature example of Laccaria amethystina showing the hygrophanous cap.