a pleated Inkcap

a pleated Inkcap - Parasola

Description

There are several similar species in this genus, and the spores need to be examined under the microscope to identify.  They are small and very fragile and ephemeral with a strongly plicate (pleated) and very thin cap.  There is some variation in colour, but they are generally brownish when young, becoming pale grey as the cap expands, with a brownish central disc. The gills are very free (i.e. not attached to the stipe) and shrivel rather than deliquesce or turn to ink when over-mature.  The spore print is black. 

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Photograph from top down and underneath to show gills and full length of stipe. Note habitat and substrate

Habitat

Grassland, woodchip, soil, dung

UK Status

common

VC55 Status

common

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

All NatureSpot records