Dusky Puffball - Lycoperdon nigrescens

A small pear-shaped puffball covered in groups of convergent spines up to 3mm long.  Initially pale brown; darken as it matures to grey-brown or chestnut-brown. The spines eventually rub off, leaving a mosaic-like reticulated pattern.  Spores are released through a small apical pore.  It has an unpleasant smell. 

Oher Lycoperdon have convergent spines.  L echinatum, the Spiny Puffball, has longer spines up to 5mm in length

Photograph in habitat and in close-up showing surface patterning. Note habitat and substrate.

Grasslands and open habitats, usually acidic, 

Summer and Autumn

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.