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
Stereum hirsutum
Hairy Curtain Crust
(Willd.) Pers., 1800
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A widespread wood-decay fungus that forms leathery, bracket-like or crust-like fruiting bodies. The upper surface is densely covered with coarse, stiff, velutinous hairs and features concentric zones of bright orange, yellow, and brownish-grey tones with a distinct wavy, pale margin. The underside (hymenium) is smooth, lacking pores or gills, and ranges from vivid yellow to warm ocher-orange.
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).Agaricomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Russulales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Stereaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Stereum
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Willd.) Pers., 1800
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.
Unknown
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Decomposer
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 saprophitically on dead hardwood logs, fallen branches, stumps, and occasionally on wounded living trees. It shows a strong preference for oak, beech, and birch in temperate, boreal, and subtropical woodlands across the globe, frequently operating as a primary colonizer of fallen timber.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 active wood-decay saprotroph that grows in large tiered groups, often coalescing horizontally to form extensive curtain-like crusts on logs. It plays a vital role in forest nutrient cycling by dismantling complex wood polymers. It does not possess a behavioral drive like animals, but dynamically expands its vegetative mycelial network under the bark based on temperature, moisture availability, and chemical composition of the timber.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
0.1 - 5.0 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
Exudes aggressive extracellular enzymes, primarily laccases and peroxidases, allowing it to thoroughly break down lignin and cellulose, causing a comprehensive white rot in tough hardwood substrates.
Remarkable poikilohydric property, meaning the brackets can fully dry out, turning brittle during severe droughts, and revitalize completely to release spores upon absorbing moisture from rainfall.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Intensive forest management strategies that completely remove deadwood, stumps, and fallen canopy limbs from woodlands, reducing the availability of optimal organic hardwood nesting substrates.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The Hairy Curtain Crust is frequently parasitized by another fungus, the Crystal Brain Fungus (Myxarium nucleatum) or green algae, which often colonize the stiff hairs on the older upper zones, turning them greenish.