Tag Archives: #Mycology

The Herald Moth, inc. notes about the Dangers of Hibernation including Predation and Entomopathogenic Fungi

The Herald moth, Scoliopteryx libatrix, is a common native species known for its striking appearance and unique life-cycle that spans seasons in a way few other moths do. Belonging to the family Erebidae, it is often one of the first to emerge in spring and one of the last to be seen in autumn, earning its common name as a “herald” of changing weather.

The Common Inkcap, Coprinopsis atramentaria

As the autumn rains soak our countryside, the fruiting bodies of fungi sprout forth, bewitching us with their bewildering multitude of forms.
One of the most bizarre of these is the Common Inkcap.

Chanterelle; Notes on Biology and Foraging

Chanterelles belong to the Cantharellaceae family and their scientific name derives from the Greek word kantharos (κάνθαρος) which is a type of cup, describing their distinctive funnel or trumpet-like shape, with cibarius coming from the latin cibus which simply means ‘food’.

The Greater Butterfly Orchid

The Greater Butterfly Orchid, Platanthera chlorantha is a herbaceous perennial that typically grows to a height of 20 to 60 cm. It is easily recognised by its pair of broad, shiny, elliptical leaves at the base, with smaller, lanceolate leaves higher up the stem. The plant’s flower spike, which blooms from May to July, bearsContinue reading “The Greater Butterfly Orchid”

The Upland Collection

Here is a list of some of the articles I have published which fall under the broad category of ‘moorland’ or ‘uplands’, it’s by no means exhaustive as there will be some I’ve missed out, some which overlap other themes and others which sit on the fringes. I hope you find it a useful and/orContinue reading “The Upland Collection”

Yellow Brain Fungus / Witches’ Butter

Those cold, damp January days, when nobody feels like venturing out so you can have the countryside completely to yourself, often offer the best opportunities for poking about the bare hedges and woods to see what treasures catch your eye. In this case, early on the First of January, the prizes I found, shining likeContinue reading “Yellow Brain Fungus / Witches’ Butter”

Waxcaps, the Jewels of the Pastures

Waxcaps are attractive looking grassland fungi found at biodiverse sites, those that are rich in flora and fauna species. They earn their common name by way of their shiny, waxy-looking caps which, depending on the species, come in a wide variety of colours ranging from red, orange, yellow through to green, there is even oneContinue reading “Waxcaps, the Jewels of the Pastures”