Lepiota clypeolaria

Lepiota clypeolaria, also known as the Shield Dapperling, is a species of mushroom in the family Agaricaceae. It is commonly found in Europe and North America, and is known for its distinctive shield-shaped cap.

Description

The cap of Lepiota clypeolaria is typically 2-5 cm in diameter, and is shield-shaped with a distinct umbo at the center. The cap surface is smooth and white, often with brownish scales towards the center. The gills are free from the stem, white to cream in color, and densely packed. The stem is slender, white, and has a ring.

Habitat and distribution

Lepiota clypeolaria is a saprotrophic fungus, meaning it obtains its nutrients from decaying organic matter. It is commonly found in grassy areas, such as lawns and pastures, as well as in deciduous and coniferous forests. The species has a wide distribution, and is found in both Europe and North America.

Edibility

While some species of Lepiota are edible, Lepiota clypeolaria is not. It contains toxins that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested.

Taxonomy

The species was first described scientifically by Elias Magnus Fries in 1838. The genus name Lepiota comes from the Greek words for "scale" and "shield", referring to the scaly cap of many species in this genus. The species name clypeolaria is derived from the Latin word for "small shield", referring to the shape of the cap.

See also

• List of Lepiota species
• Mushroom hunting
• Mushroom poisoning