Pleated Inkcap - Parasola plicatilis

A small, very fragile grassland fungus with a strongly plicate (pleated) and very thin cap that lasts less than a day.  The cap is brownish when young, becoming pale grey as it expands with a brownish central disc. The gills are vey free (i.e. not attached to the stipe) and shrivel rather than deliquesce or turn to ink when over-mature.  Spore print black. Spores almond shaped, 10-13 x 710μm with an eccentric germ pore.

There are several similar species requiring microscopic examination to identify

microscopy

This is a difficult species, and we recommend that it is verified by an expert from a specimen before submission to Naturespot.  Microscopic examination will be needed.  Also photograph from top down, in side view and underneath to show gills; note habitat and substrate.

Grassland, lawns, parkland, woodland edge

Found from late spring until autumn, often appearing after rain

Widespread but not common (Kibby, V3, 2021)

https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/parasola-plicatilis.php