Bovista or Lycoperdon possibly ?

[Rambling Rob]

Hello,

Don't know much about fungi but I think this is one. Looking at pics in a fungi book I reckon it is either a Lycoperdon or a Bovista - can you help?

It was about 4cm across.

I like the surface texture, like beaten metal.

In the grass at Yaverland, IoW, last week.

Many thanks,
Rob

[fairplay]

Hello Rob,

These can be tricky when they are fresh, even more tricky when there are only the 'exoskeletal' remains left.
The 2 leading contenders must be Bovista nigricans or Lycoperdon (formerly Vascellum) pratence, but the latter tends to have a flatter top.

It is hard to see if this is round or has a short 'stump' underneath.
If round underneath then I would go for B.nigricans, if a fat 'stump', then L.pratence.
Or of course it could be one of the other puffballs, but it is safe to rule out Lycoperdon molle, L. utriforme, L.pyriforme, L.echinatum, L.exipuliforme, L.mammiforme, Calvatia gigantia, and all the Earthballs.

So, take your pick.

Neil.

[Rambling Rob]

Neil, many thanks for your thoughts on that one. Unfortunately I didn't notice the underside but will look for that feature next time, Rob

[Ditiola]

Rob
Next time you find one tease out some of the cottony threads form inside with a pair of tweezers, if the are long and tangled up it will be a Vacellum or Lycoperdon, if they pull apart as tiny discreet clumps it is Bovista. Vacellum can be separated from Lycoperdon as it has a distinct membrane between the sterile base tissue and the spore bearing tissue above,

Peter

[Rambling Rob]

Thanks Peter, I look forward to finding another and looking at it more closely, Rob