Pale Stagshorn - Calocera pallidospathulata

Description

A small, pale yellow stagshorn, usually unbranched but sometimes forked near the tip.  It is rubbery and gelatinous in texture.  It has short, flattened fruitbodes of irregular shapes, with round or flattish tips.  It becomes paler and translucent as it ages. 

Similar Species

Calocera viscosa is larger and bright yellow, with multiple branches arising from a short basal 'trunk'. Some specimens of Calocera cornea may be a rather pale yellow, but have fruitbodies with pointed or slightly blunt tips.  

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Photograph in habitat; note substrate and associated tree species

Habitat

On dead or rotting branches, stumps and twigs of broadleaf and coniferous wood.

When to see it

Usually seen from early autumn to early winter.

UK Status

First recorded in the UK in 1969, but has rapidly expanded its range and is now widespread and common

VC55 Status

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

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

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Pale Stagshorn
Species group:
fungus
Kingdom:
Fungi
Order:
Dacrymycetales
Family:
Dacrymycetaceae
Records on NatureSpot:
12
First record:
05/11/2005 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
15/10/2024 (Bell, Melinda)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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