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
Dacrymyces chrysospermus
Orange Jelly Spot
Berk. & M.A.Curtis, 1873
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A distinctive gelatinous fungus that forms bright orange to orange-yellow, brain-like, lobed, or wavy masses. It is characteristically attached to its wooden substrate by a tough, distinctively white or pale point of attachment. When dry, it shrivels into a brittle, dark reddish-orange crust, but rapidly reconstitutes its jelly form when rehydrated.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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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).Dacrymycetetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Dacrymycetales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Dacrymycetaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Dacrymyces
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Berk. & M.A.Curtis, 1873
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 extensively on barkless decaying logs, fallen branches, and stumps of coniferous trees, especially pine, spruce, and fir. Widely distributed and common throughout moist temperate forests of North America, Europe, and northern Asia.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 highly resilient wood saprophyte. Its inner vegetative hyphae induce a form of brown rot within dead conifers. The fungus coordinates massive water swelling during cold, wet autumn periods, bursting through timber fissures to sporulate widely.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1.0 - 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
Exhibits extreme poikilohydric properties, allowing the entire body to completely dry into a thin structural film during droughts and quickly absorb water to resume vital metabolic functions and spore release within minutes of rainfall.
Rich in carotenoid pigments that generate its orange hue; these chemicals provide strong protection against destructive ultraviolet light in exposed, open-canopy logging environments.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Intensive forest management practices that systematically remove dead coniferous wood and stumps eliminate the critical lignified cellulose substrates necessary for long-term mycelial propagation.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Although visually similar to the popular orange witch's butter (Tremella mesenterica), Dacrymyces chrysospermus can be distinguished by its strict growth on conifer wood and its distinct white basal attachment core.