FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Cyathus striatus
Fluted Bird's Nest Fungus
(Huds.) Willd., 1787
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Cyathus striatus is a small and fascinating saprophytic fungus that mimics the appearance of a miniature bird's nest. The fruiting body (peridium) is cup- or funnel-shaped, 7 to 15 mm tall. Its outer surface is dark brown and covered with shaggy hairs, while the inner surface is remarkably shiny and features longitudinal striations or grooves (hence the name 'striatus'). Inside the cup are several hardened, flattened disks called peridioles, gray or silver in color, which contain the spores and resemble eggs. These 'eggs' are attached to the bottom of the nest by an elastic filament called a funiculus. It is an architectural species of the forest floor that uses the kinetic energy of raindrops for dispersal.
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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).Nidulariaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Cyathus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Huds.) Willd., 1787
Record Completeness
93%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.
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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
It inhabits the floor of mixed forests, gardens, and areas with abundant mulch, growing on decaying wood, fallen branches, or wood chips. It prefers shaded and moist microclimas. It is commonly found in dense groups on woody substrates. In Costa Rica, it is frequently reported in humid zones and cloud forests, especially where there is an accumulation of vegetable debris during the rainy season.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
It is a primary decomposer of woody remains. By decomposing wood, it releases nutrients into the soil. Its presence indicates soil rich in organic matter. Peridioles, by sticking to leaves, can be ingested by herbivores, facilitating a second stage of dispersal through feces.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
0.7 - 1.5 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
Splash-Cup Mechanism: The cup shape is designed with a precise angle so that when a raindrop hits the interior, the energy is concentrated, ejecting the peridioles (eggs) up to a meter away from the original fungus.
Adhesive Funiculus: Each peridiole has a filament (funiculus) with a sticky base. When ejected, the filament unfurls and clings to surrounding vegetation, ensuring spores stay in an elevated place where they can be consumed by herbivores or dispersed again.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Excessive substrate cleaning: The removal of dead wood and vegetable remains in intensive gardening eliminates the substrates necessary for its development.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Hydraulic Architecture: It is one of the best examples of passive biological engineering; the cup acts as a ballistic mortar using only external water energy to move its reproductive structures.