Turf Mottlegill - Panaeolus fimicola

Caps of Panaeolus fimicola are 1.5 to 4 cm across; initially hemispherical or convex, expanding to become broadly convex; hygrophanous, dark reddish-brown, sometimes tinged with purple, drying paler brown; smooth, with a satin surface. Stem is 4 to 8 cm long and 3 to 5 mm diameter; dusted with a white bloom at apex, the middle and lower stem colour is as the cap; no stem ring. Gills of the Turf Mottlegill are adnate; grey-brown with white (initially) toothed edges and somewhat mottled, becoming black as the spores mature.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Panaeolus fimicola is saprobic and appears on lawns, roadside verges, fields with short turf and other grassy places.

May to November in Britain and Ireland.

In Britain and Ireland the Turf Mottlegill is widespread in lawns and dung-fertilised short-sward lowland grassland, but it is less plentiful in mountainous areas.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

[On the NBN under Order Agaricales; not assigned to a Family].