Leopard Earthball - Scleroderma areolatum

A small earthball, with small dark scales, each surrounded by a paler ring-zone which has a slightly darker line down the centre.  It has a thin peridium or outer skin which is < 2mm wide, and which stains reddish when cut.  There is a short pseudostipe or stem which may be partially buried.

Scleroderma verrucosum, the Scaly Earthball, is very similar, but is usually larger, has a longer pseudostipe or stem, and larger scales that lack the paler ring-zone.  

Photograph in habitat and in close up detail to show surface pattern;  cut the specimen vertically through the centre to show the thin peridium or outer skin and the short pseudostipe or stem; note habitat, substrate and associated tree species. It is helpful to provide an indication of size.

Broadleaved woodlands, parkland, under deciduous trees

Late summer and autumn.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland, though less common than Scleroderma citrinum.