Lots of new Bonnet species

I studied the list from the Gwent Fungus Group foray and was amazed to see that my list of Bonnet species (Mycena sp.) has grown from four to nine! Over the years I have recorded four reasonably common Bonnets; Drab, Snapping, Nitrous and Ivory. All were identified by people who know their Bopnnets so I can confidently claim a list of nine Mycena sp and I also have a Hemimycena species which is now also called a Bonnet so ten in total, The new five are Angel's Bonnet (M. arcangelina), Common Bonnet (M. galericulata), Rancid Bonnet (M. olida), Brown-edged Bonnet (M. olivaceomarginata) and Rosy Bonnet (M. rosea). Photo is Brown-edged Bonnet.

New fungi species - Watery Milkcap (Lactarius serifluus)

Thisa was seen and identified by Shelley on the recent Gwent Fungus Group foray here. I checked back and this is the sixth Milkcap species found here. For the record the others are Lactarius blennius (Beech Milkcap), L. quietus (Oakbug Milkcap), L. pyrogallus (Fiery Milkcap), L. subdulcis (Mild Milkcap) and L. fluens (Nimbus Milkcap). The phpotpo is the Beech Milkcap showing the typical darker concentric rings on the cap.

Waxcap #13 - Slimy Waxcap

Another one to add to the list but still not a good waxcap season. I found a single Slimy Waxcap (Gliophorus irrigatus) in the West Field, Old photo

New Species - Tree Damsel Bug (Himacerus apterus)

This id is down to Obsidentify which is an impressive app for insects. I was on my laptop in the lounge when an insect appeared attracted by the light of the screen. I managed a very rough photo which I then put in front of Obsidentify which immediately identifed it. I then checked against other online images and it is spot on. Lives in trees feeding on aphids and mites so I suspect it came in with logs brought in for the fire.

Waxcaps #11 and #12 - Scarlet and Pink Waxcaps

It's definitely a late fruiting season and probably a race against the first severe frost but I recorded two more Waxcaps today, A nice group of Scarlets ab=nd a single Pink. That makes twelve species so far which is a poor showing compared with 22 species last year and 24 species in 2023. Still time hopefully for a few more.

Mini Mushroom (Agaricus comtulus)

Also found at the foray last Saturday was the Mini Mushroom which I find in the same place in the East Field each year, This slightly obscure agaricus smells distinctly of almonds. I don;t think I have seen it anywhere else apart from here. (old photo)

Waxcaps #9 and #10 - Meadow and Cedarwood

It seems we're catching up on Waxcaps belatedly but I think a deep frost will put an end to the count before too long. Anyway I came across Meadow Waxcaps and Cedarwood Waxcaps in the West Field yesterday. Photo is the Meadows albeit small ones.