Spearywell
Sat 7 Sep 2024
Pluteus plautus
Photo © Dave Shute
Field event ID HF2412
Report: Although overcast with light showers, it was a mild day and the wood largely sheltered us from the rain.
With regard to the fungi, there was a more autumnal feel, with plenty of ‘cap and stem’ species starting to appear. Some early finds were a probable Pluteus plautus (Satin Shield), Hydnum repandum (Wood Hedgehog) and the resupinate, Laxietextum bicolor. Then, a chunky yellow webcap with purplish gills and flush to the stipe, was found. Subsequent microscopy suggested Cortinarius delibutus (Yellow Webcap).
As we descended the Beech-covered slope we found Polyporus durus (Bay Polypore), Megacollybia platyphylla (Whitelaced Shank) and the cup fungus, Peziza micropus. Close to the stream at the foot of the hill, some decaying pinewood was host to Tricholomopsis rutilans (Plums and Custard) and in a grassy patch at the edge of the wood we discovered Lacrymaria lacrymabunda (Weeping Widow).
We continued up the opposite slope and lunched on some cut logs. Nearby, a mass fruiting of Cantharellus tubaeformis (Winter Chanterelle) was seen. This led us to explore further, and we found a photogenic group of Mycenas (Bonnets) growing from a fallen Sweet-chestnut husk. Although unidentified at the time, a sample taken was later certified by DNA sequencing as only the second British record of Mycena dasypus! On a Beech leaf-stalk in the vicinity, we recorded the tiny, yellow Hymenoscyphus caudatus.
Taking a circuitous route back towards the car park, we came across some emergent Amanita phalloides (Deathcap) and Russula fellea (Geranium Brittlegill).
Species recorded: Amanita citrina var. citrina (False Deathcap), Amanita excelsa var. spissa (Grey Spotted Amanita), Amanita fulva (Tawny Grisette), Amanita phalloides (Deathcap), Amanita rubescens var. rubescens (Blusher), Apioperdon pyriforme (Stump Puffball), Calocera cornea (Small Stagshorn), Calocera pallidospathulata (Pale Stagshorn), Calocera viscosa (Yellow Stagshorn), Chlorociboria aeruginascens (Green Elfcup), Clavulina coralloides (Crested Coral), Cortinarius, Crepidotus mollis (Peeling Oysterling), Exidia nucleata (Crystal Brain), Fomitopsis betulina (Birch Polypore), Ganoderma australe s. str. (Southern Bracket), Gymnopus dryophilus (Russet Toughshank), Gymnopus fusipes (Spindle Toughshank), Helvella crispa (White Saddle), Hortiboletus rubellus (Ruby Bolete), Hydnum repandum (Wood Hedgehog), Hydropus floccipes, Hymenopellis radicata (Rooting Shank), Hymenoscyphus caudatus, Inocybe napipes (Bulbous Fibrecap), Lacrymaria lacrymabunda (Weeping Widow), Lactarius blennius (Beech Milkcap), Lactarius tabidus (Birch Milkcap), Laetiporus sulphureus (Chicken Of The Woods), Laxitextum bicolor, Marasmiellus ramealis (Twig Parachute), Marasmius rotula (Collared Parachute), Megacollybia platyphylla (Whitelaced Shank), Mycena dasypus, Paxillus involutus (Brown Rollrim), Peziza micropus, Phloeomana speirea (Bark Bonnet), Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster Mushroom), Pluteus cervinus (Deer Shield), Pluteus plautus (Satin Shield), Polyporus badius (Bay Polypore), Polyporus tuberaster (Tuberous Polypore), Russula atropurpurea (Purple Brittlegill), Russula fellea (Geranium Brittlegill), Russula nobilis (Beechwood Sickener), Russula ochroleuca (Ochre Brittlegill), Russula pelargonia (Pelargonium Brittlegill), Russula pseudointegra (Scarlet Brittlegill), Russula pseudointegra (Scarlet Brittlegill), Russula rosea (Rosy Brittlegill), Russula silvestris, Scleroderma areolatum (Leopard Earthball), Skeletocutis semipileata (Hazel Bracket), Steccherinum ochraceum, Stereum hirsutum (Hairy Curtain Crust), Stereum subtomentosum (Yellowing Curtain Crust), Suillus grevillei (Larch Bolete), Trametes betulina (Birch Mazegill), Trametes gibbosa (Lumpy Bracket), Trametes versicolor (Turkeytail), Trichaptum abietinum (Purplepore Bracket), Tricholomopsis rutilans (Plums And Custard), Xerocomellus chrysenteron (Red Cracking Bolete), Xylaria hypoxylon (Candlesnuff Fungus)
A full species list with further details can be seen at the Fungal Records Database of Britain and Ireland (FRDBI). Please contact us if you need a user ID.