The NatureSpot Photo of the Month for October is this image of Spangle Waxcaps, taken by NatureSpot contributor Marian Markham. More...

October 2024 has been a good month for Waxcaps, which in many ways are the most iconic of fungi. These are grassland species, favouring mown or closely grazed old unimproved grasslands, and have often been used as indicators of conservation value. Although attractively coloured, the texture of the cap and stipe are more important characters than colour, size or shape, which are very variable. In some cases microscopic examination of the spores may be needed to identify certain species. Churchyards and cemeteries are often good places to look for these fungi. This photo of Spangle Waxcaps, Hygrocybe insipida, is part of a set submitted as a record of this uncommon species. The other photos in the set clearly show all the features needed to identify it. 

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