Costa Rica Species
Mycena leaiana
FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Mycena leaiana

Orange Mycena

(Berk.) Sacc., 1891

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, visually striking saprophytic mushroom characterized by its bright orange, bell-shaped to convex cap that features a sticky or glutinous surface when moist. The gills are pale yellow with a distinct bright orange edge, and the slender, hollow stem is covered in dense, small orange hairs near the base.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Basidiomycota
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Agaricomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Agaricales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Mycenaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Mycena
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Berk.) Sacc., 1891
Record Completeness
85%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Stable

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

Herbivore

EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.

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Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.

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Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.

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Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Year Round

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Grows in dense, cespitose clusters on heavily decayed hardwood logs and branches, particularly oak and beech, within moist, low-lying temperate deciduous forests of eastern North America.

SubstrateThe organic material or host organism this fungus colonizes and decomposes. Multi-lang

Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

A lignicolous saprophyte that aggregates into dense clusters to efficiently break down damp wood. It remains hidden as a mycelial network inside logs throughout the year, dynamically flushing out visible mushrooms during warm, wet periods.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

1.0 - 4.0 cm

Hymenium StructuresMacro photographs of the spore-bearing surfaces used for mushroom identification.

No hymenium surface images available.

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

The glutinous coating on the cap acts as a protective barrier that seals in internal moisture, preventing desiccation during abrupt temperature fluctuations in the forest understory.
Contains vibrant orange secondary carotenoid pigments that possess antibiotic properties, helping the fungal tissue resist structural breakdown by rival microorganisms.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Loss of old-growth deciduous forest patches and management practices that systematically eliminate dead logs, which severely compromises the strict saprophytic substrate this mushroom depends on.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

The mycelium of this species exhibits weak bioluminescence, glowing with a faint green hue under absolute darkness, a phenomenon shared with a small number of specialized members of the Mycenaceae family.