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
Coprinellus micaceus
Mica Cap / Glistening Inky Cap
(Bull.) Vilgalys, Hopple & Jacq. Johnson, 2001
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Coprinellus micaceus is a small to medium-sized basidiomycete fungus characterized by its bell-shaped, yellowish-brown to ochre cap. Its most distinctive feature is the presence of tiny glistening granules, similar to mica particles, that cover the cap when young (though they can be washed away by rain). The cap features deep radial striations extending almost to the center. The gills are initially white, then brown, and finally black, dissolving into a black liquid ink in a process called deliquescence. The stalk is white, hollow, fragile, and smooth. It grows in dense clusters on or near decaying wood, often appearing to sprout from the ground but actually feeding on buried dead roots.
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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).Psathyrellaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Coprinellus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Bull.) Vilgalys, Hopple & Jacq. Johnson, 2001
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 forests, parks, and urban gardens, growing on or around decaying broad-leaved tree stumps or buried roots. It prefers soils rich in organic matter with constant moisture. It is a cosmopolitan species and very common in disturbed areas. In Costa Rica, it is frequently found in the Central Valley and mountainous areas during the rainy season, often appearing in the same spot year after year.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 wood-dwelling saprotroph that decomposes dead wood, returning vital nutrients to the soil. It appears in large colonies of hundreds of individuals that emerge almost simultaneously after rains. Its aerial life cycle is extremely short (24-48 hours), rapidly transforming from a firm fungus to a mass of black ink.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
2.0 - 6.0 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
Deliquescence (Self-digestion): Its gills dissolve into a black, spore-rich ink as they mature. This process allows spores to be transported by water or stick to insects, facilitating dispersal in humid environments where air release might fail.
Protective Granular Veil: The glistening granules are remains of a universal veil that protects the young fungus during its rapid emergence from the ground, reducing friction and maintaining moisture in the cap's tender tissue.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Fungicide use in urban areas: As it is common in gardens and parks, lawn chemical applications can eliminate local mycelium populations.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Mica Glimmer: The granules on the cap refract light in such a way that they look like frost or tiny diamonds, giving it a unique beauty in the morning sun before heat or rain removes them.
Cautious Edible: It is edible when young and the gills are still white, but it must be collected carefully due to its ability to absorb heavy metals from the soil in urban areas.