Lepiota felina

Description

Lepiota felina generally resembles several other small and medium-sized Lepiotas for which microscopic examination of the structure of the spores and epidermis is important to determine the species. It has a broad convex cap with a very dark brown center, concentric areas of small brown spots, and scattered scales arranged radially around the edges. The gills are white to faintly pinkish, the cap flesh is white and non-staining, and the odor is like cedar wood or somewhat unpleasant and rubbery. The stem is whitish to pale brownish above the ring and pinkish brown to grayish brown with zones of brownish squamules below. The ring is cuff-shaped and usually decorated with brown scales. The spores are oval to oblong, and the cap-shaped cuticle consists of a cluster of long erect elements, produced by rod-shaped cells.

Widespread and fairly common in acidic areas, mainly in conifer forests, throughout most of Europe, and is found also in many other parts of the world including North America.

This mushroom is poisonous and tastes mild. Its smell can be described as earthy and putrid.

Common names: Cat Dapperling.

Mushroom Identification

1. Cap

   Initially hemispherical, becoming convex and sometimes almost flat with a slight umbo; white with a dark brown or black center surrounded by concentric rings of relatively large (compared with other dapperlings of similar cap size) dark-brown scales. Cap diameter at maturity ranges from 1.5 to 3cm.

2. Gills

   The free, crowded gills are white or cream, darkening with age.

3. Stem

   Creamy white; base slightly swollen; the persistent ring is creamy white on top and brown beneath. 2.5 to 4cm long and 2 to 4mm in diameter.

4. Spores

   Ellipsoidal to ovoid, smooth, 6.5-8 x 3.5-4μm; dextrinoid.

5. Spore Print

   White.

6. Odor and Taste

   Odor is earthy; the taste is not significant (and tasting dapperlings is inadvisable).

7. Habitat

   Saprobic, solitary or in small groups in coniferous forests and plantations.

8. Season

   July to October.

Look-Alikes

1. Lepiota ignivolvata

   Has a bright orange or red-brown ring low down on the stem.

2. Lepiota cristata

   Is typically larger with paler scales and has an unpleasant odor.

History

Lepiota felina (Gender: Feminine) was scientifically described by P.A. Karsten and effectively published in 1879. The name Lepiota felina is of type combination. Lepiota felina has the status legitimate.

The scientific classification of Lepiota felina is Fungi, Dikarya, Basidiomycota, Agaricomycotina, Agaricomycetes, Agaricomycetidae, Agaricales, Agaricaceae, Lepiota.

Lepiota, the genus name, comes from Greek words Lepis-, meaning scale, and -ot, meaning ear. Scaly ear fungus is an interpretation, therefore. Scales on a convex (vaguely ear-shaped) cap are characteristic of fungi in this genus, as also are free gills and a stem ring.

The specific epithet felina means cat-like.

Synonyms

1. Agaricus felinus Pers., 1801

2. Agaricus clypeolarius var. felinus (Pers.) Fr., 1821

3. Lepiota clypeolaria var. felina (Pers.) Gillet, 1874

4. Mastocephalus felinus (Pers.) O.Kuntze (1891)

5. Lepiota felina f. lilacina Bon (1981)

6. Lepiota felina var. lilacina Bon (1993)

7. Lepiota felina var. subrobusta Bon (1993)

Photo sources:

Photo 1 - Author: Strobilomyces (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Photo 2 - Author: Höyhens (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Photo 3 - Author: Eva Skific (Evica) (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Photo 4 - Author: zaca (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Photo 5 - Author: zaca (CC BY-SA 3.0)