Infected Helvella lacunosa.

These Elfin Saddles have been infected with, yes, another fungus. In this case a white mouldy parasite, Hypomyces cervinigenus.

comments (4)

Christine Young

Lion

Cool find! Posted 5 years ago
1. gary fast
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks, in truth it’s hard to find the Elfin Saddles around here not to be infected! Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    I have only found an elfin saddle once and it wasn't infected. I do see a lot of infected Lactarius/Russula mushrooms (Lobsters) though. They seem to be everywhere this time of year. Posted 5 years ago
  2. 1. gary fast
      
      Lion
      
      Our “lobster” season sort of ended about three weeks ago. They are becoming scarce. Either that or there are too many others that are popping up... all over in the woods. Posted 5 years ago

The Slate grey saddle

"Helvella lacunosa" is an ascomycete fungus of the family Helvellaceae. It is probably the most common species in the genus "Helvella". The mushroom is readily identified by its irregularly shaped grey cap, fluted stem, and fuzzy undersurfaces. It is found in Eastern North America and in Europe, near deciduous and coniferous trees in summer and autumn.

Info 3 0

Similar species: Pezizales

Species identified by gary fast