Dark Fieldcap

Dark Fieldcap Agrocybe erebia (Fr.) Singer syn. Pholiota erebia (Fr.) Gillet (illustrated 55% life size) Cap 3–6cm across, convex, becoming flattened with a broad umbo, the margin wavy in older specimens; dull clay-brown when dry, darker and slightly viscid when moist. Stem 60–80×8–12mm; whitish at first, gradually darkening brown from base upwards; ring whitish, grooved. Flesh pale brownish. Gills pale at first then dark umber-brown. Spores 10–13×5–6¼, elliptical. Spore print very dark brown. Cap cuticle cellular. Habitat on bare soil or in leaf litter in deciduous woods; autumn. Frequent. Not edible easily confused with poisonous species. Note my specimens are rather light in colour, they should be chocolate-brown.