Panaeolus fimicola

Panaeolus fimicola Maryland

Panaeolus fimicola is a species of mushroom in the family Bolbitiaceae. It is commonly known as the turf mottlegill or the turf bell.

Description

Panaeolus fimicola has a conical to convex cap that is typically 1-4 cm in diameter. The cap is dark brown to blackish, often with a lighter margin. The gills are adnexed to adnate, close, and initially pale brown, becoming blackish as the spores mature. The stipe is slender, 4-10 cm long, and 1-3 mm thick, with a similar color to the cap but often lighter at the apex. The spore print is black.

Habitat and Distribution

Panaeolus fimicola is a saprotrophic fungus, meaning it feeds on decaying organic matter. It is commonly found in grassy areas, such as lawns, pastures, and meadows, often growing on dung or heavily manured soil. This species is widely distributed and can be found in various regions across the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

Edibility

The edibility of Panaeolus fimicola is not well-documented, and it is generally not considered a choice edible mushroom. Some sources suggest it may be mildly hallucinogenic, but this is not well-established. As with all wild mushrooms, proper identification is crucial, and consumption of unidentified mushrooms is not recommended.

Similar Species

Panaeolus fimicola can be confused with other species in the Panaeolus genus, such as Panaeolus cinctulus and Panaeolus papilionaceus. These species share similar habitats and morphological characteristics but can be distinguished by subtle differences in cap color, gill attachment, and spore size.

Taxonomy

Panaeolus fimicola was first described by the mycologist Elias Magnus Fries in 1838. It belongs to the order Agaricales and the class Agaricomycetes.

See Also

• List of Panaeolus species
• Mushroom hunting
• Mycology