Fragile Dapperling
Leucocoprinus fragilissimus
The cap of this mushroom is so thin and translucent that its gills are clearly visible from above, resembling the delicate ribs of a tiny paper umbrella.
- Scientific name
- Leucocoprinus fragilissimus
- Taxonomy
- Fungi › Basidiomycota › Agaricomycetes › Agaricales › Agaricaceae › Leucocoprinus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Damp forest floors, deep leaf litter, rich humus, and occasionally shaded greenhouses.
- Diet
- Saprotrophic (decomposes dead organic matter, particularly leaf litter and twigs).
- Range
- North America, South America, East Asia, Australia
- Size
- Cap 1-4 cm wide, stem 4-9 cm tall, extremely thin
- Lifespan
- 24 to 48 hours (fruiting body)
- Active
- crepuscular
- Threats
- Deforestation, loss of canopy humidity, and heavy foot traffic that compacts the soil.
- Safe to approach?
- This species is entirely harmless to touch but incredibly delicate; even a light breeze or gentle brush can cause it to collapse. Do not harvest or touch it. Safe to observe and photograph from any distance. As with all wild fungi, do not ingest, and seek medical attention immediately if accidentally consumed.
Leucocoprinus fragilissimus , commonly known as the fragile dapperling , is a species of gilled mushroom in the family Agaricaceae.
Photo: Anne Parker, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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