Notes On The Genus Psathyrella Apr 2026
The taxonomy of Psathyrella has undergone significant revision:
The genus Psathyrella is a large and complex group of dark-spored, saprotrophic fungi within the Psathyrellaceae family . Identifying these species often requires detailed microscopic analysis, as many possess nearly identical macroscopic features. NOTES ON THE GENUS PSATHYRELLA
: Modern DNA sequencing (ITS and LSU rDNA) has revealed that traditional morphology-based classifications are often artificial. This has led to the reclassification of some former Psathyrella species into genera like Parasola or Coprinopsis . This has led to the reclassification of some
: Some species specialize in growing on the dung of animals like cows or horses. They frequently feature a distinct
: Caps are often thin, fragile, and hygrophanous , meaning they change color significantly as they dry. They frequently feature a distinct, sometimes appendiculate, veil that may disappear with maturity.
: Species like Psathyrella piluliformis grow in clusters on decaying wood.