Community find

Panaeolus antillarum

Group: gilled mushroom
Season: Typically found year-round in warm, tropical climates; in temperate zones, it appears from late spring through autumn, especially after heavy rains.
Habitat: Grows directly on horse or cow dung, or in heavily manured soil and pastures. It is common in tropical and subtropical regions but can be found globally in suitable dung habitats.
Key characteristics: Cap is 2-4 cm wide, bell-shaped to hemispherical, smooth, and silvery-white to light gray. The cap surface is thick and often cracks in dry weather. Gills are crowded and turn black as they mature, typically with white edges. The stem is 4-20 cm long, solid, and whitish. The spore print is jet black.
Look-alikes: Panaeolus semiovatus (has a distinct ring on the stem), Panaeolus cyanescens (bruises blue and has thinner cap flesh), and Protostropharia semiglobata (has a sticky cap and yellowish stem).
Ecological role: Saprophytic mushroom that plays a vital role in the decomposition of herbivore dung, breaking down complex organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil.

Reference entries for this find