Coprinopsis lagopus - Навозник пушистый - Harefoot Mushroom

Coprinopsis lagopus - Навозник пушистый - Harefoot Mushroom - Hasenpfote 5/3/23

Coprinopsis lagopus, commonly known as the Harefoot Mushroom or Hasenpfote in German, is a small, delicate fungus belonging to the family Psathyrellaceae. The cap of this mushroom is initially egg-shaped, expanding to bell-shaped, and measures between 1-4 cm in diameter. The cap surface is covered with grayish-white to light brown scales, which give the mushroom a fluffy appearance, reminiscent of a hare's foot. The margin of the cap is often finely striated and may become slightly upturned as the mushroom matures. The gills of C. lagopus are initially white, turning black as the spores mature. They are crowded and often deliquesce, or dissolve into a black ink-like liquid, as the mushroom ages. The stipe of the Harefoot Mushroom is slender and fragile, measuring 5-10 cm long and 1-3 mm in diameter. It is hollow, white, and may be covered with fine hairs near the base. Coprinopsis lagopus is a saprotrophic fungus, meaning it decomposes dead organic matter. It is typically found growing on rotting wood, plant debris, or dung in grassy areas, forests, or disturbed habitats. This species has a widespread distribution, occurring across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Harefoot Mushroom fruiting bodies appear in spring and autumn, depending on local weather conditions. The spores of C. lagopus are black, ellipsoid, and measure 10-14 x 6-8 micrometers. Although not considered toxic, Coprinopsis lagopus is generally considered inedible due to its small size and fragile nature. Some research has indicated that the Harefoot Mushroom may have antimicrobial properties, which could be useful in the development of new drugs. The Harefoot Mushroom is closely related to other Coprinopsis species, such as Coprinopsis atramentaria and Coprinopsis cinerea. Careful observation of the cap texture and gill deliquescence can help distinguish these species.