Common Jellyspot

Common Jellyspot - Dacrymyces stillatus

Description

Dacrymyces stillatus has two forms.  The asexual state is a soft, reddish-orange globular cushion, and seems to be the most commonly recorded state.  Under the microscope, there is network of fragmented hyphae and disarticulating into septate arthrospores.  The sexual state is blob or disc shaped, sometimes develoing brain-like wrinkles.  It is translucent and pale yellow, and has a firm, rubbery and gelatinous texture.  Under the microscope, the internal matrix is composed of hyphae with distinctive forked basidia, each bearing two spores.  Both states may be found together in the same substrate.

Similar Species

There are several other species of Dacrymyces but they are rarely recorded. 

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Photograph in habitat; note substrate

Habitat

On damp decaying coniferous and deciduous wood.  Often on sawn surfaces, including fence posts, planks etc., as well as logs and stumps.

When to see it

All year round

VC55 Status

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

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