Is this a dung fungus?

[Rambling Rob]

Hello,

Does anyone recognise this fungus please? It's about 5 - 6 cm tall.

Spotted on Bembridge Down, IoW this afternoon, being the best specimen of perhaps half a dozen growing around and possibly from an old cow pat so maybe a dung fungus?



Thanks for looking,
Rob

[Leif]

Looks like a Panaeolus, maybe P. sphinctrinus given the ragged cap margin and distinctive stem. Maybe not. It's worth checking the gills, as Panaeolus species have mottled ones.

[Rambling Rob]

Thanks Leif,
I didn't get to see underneath the cap but may be able to go back for that. Would examination using a mirror be likely to work or would I have to pick it?
Rob

[Leif]

Yes, pick the thing, it won't bite. In general picking one specimen will do no harm, especially when there are quite a few present. Bear in mind that most damage to fungi is probably due to habitat loss and/or damage e.g. enrichment of grassland. That said, if I examine a fungus, and do not take it home, I'll hang it from a tree branch to spread the spores. A tad obsessive perhaps.

And I should add that if you are in a Royal park, a nature reserve, and other land with rules, chances are it is forbidden to pick any fungi. I tend to use common sense, and I think the 'management' tend to be pragmatic. But I do have permission to collect in one reserve in West Sussex.