Bolbitius titubans - Больбитий золотистый - Yellow Fieldcap - Goldschuppiger Düngerling 9/30/22
Bolbitius titubans, commonly known as the Yellow Fieldcap, is a basidiomycete fungus belonging to the Bolbitiaceae family. It is characterized by a small, conical to bell-shaped cap that is initially golden yellow but fades to pale yellow or nearly white as it matures. The cap can reach up to 3 cm in diameter. The slender, fragile stem, which may grow up to 10 cm tall, is pale yellow and lacks a ring.
Advanced scientific research has shown that Bolbitius titubans is a saprotrophic fungus, meaning it obtains nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter, primarily from plants. This species is considered inedible due to its small size and insubstantial flesh.
The Yellow Fieldcap is widely distributed across Europe, North America, Asia, and parts of Russia, where it is known as Больбитий золотистый. It typically inhabits grasslands, pastures, and other environments rich in organic matter, such as dung and rotting plant materials.
Bolbitius titubans produces rusty-brown, elliptical spores that measure approximately 12-17 µm by 7-10 µm. The spore print is also rusty-brown, making it a key characteristic for identification. The number of spores produced per fruiting body can vary, depending on factors such as species, environmental conditions, and the size of the fruiting body, but generally, millions of spores can be produced by a single mushroom.
Although Bolbitius titubans is not considered toxic, it is inedible due to its small size and lack of substantial flesh. Proper identification is essential when foraging for mushrooms to avoid accidental ingestion of harmful species.
In German, this fungus is known as Goldschuppiger Düngerling, a name that reflects its golden-yellow color and its close relationship with the Bolbitiaceae family.
Bolbitius titubans - Больбитий золотистый - Yellow Fieldcap - Goldschuppiger Düngerling