Phycomyces nitens

Phycomyces nitens

Description

Visible as a grey, fuzzy fungal mass. Hyphae unbranched with globose tip which is yellow at first and then black. Grows to about about 2 to 2.5 inches high.

Similar Species

There are three common species of Phycomyces which can only be told apart by microscopy: 
P. microsporus has globose spores
P. blakesleeanus has oval to elliptical spores 8 -12 µm in length
P. nitens has oval to elliptical spores 15 - 30 µm µm in length

Identification difficulty

microscopy

Recording advice

Microscopic examination is required.  Note habitat/substrate in your comments

Habitat

Often grows on spilled seed/guano under bird feeders.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

No additional images available for this species.

All NatureSpot records