Mosaic Puffball - Handkea utriformis

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Description

The species derives its common name 'Mosaic Puffball' from the mosaic pattern across the top and sides that develops as the fruiting body matures and the outer wall breaks up into polygonal patches. Young specimens are usually 6 to 12 cm across.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Grassland

When to see it

Autumn

UK Status

Widespread throughout Britain though seldom common.

VC55 Status

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.

  • David Dunham
    Charity Fields, Desford
    26 April 2024
  • David Dunham
    Charity Fields, Desford
    25 October 2024
  • David Nicholls
    Altar Stones
    28 November 2013
  • David Nicholls
    Altar Stones
    28 November 2013
  • David Dunham
    Charity Fields, Desford
    26 April 2024

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species data profile ?

Species profile

Common names
Mosaic Puffball
Species group:
Fungi
Kingdom:
Fungi
Order:
Agaricales
Family:
Agaricaceae
Records on NatureSpot:
8
First record:
09/05/2010 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
25/10/2024 (David Dunham)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

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Latest images

Latest records

  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote
    09 May 2010