Fauna
Fungus

Trumpet Jelly Cup

Guepiniopsis buccina

Also known as Golden Jelly Cone, Yellow Cup Jelly

Trumpet jelly cups emerge from decaying, bark-free branches as vibrant golden-yellow goblets, each bearing spores on the smooth inner surface of its flared disc. Their gelatinous, rubbery tissue swells dramatically after soaking rains and shrivels into an inconspicuous amber crust during dry spells. As specialized wood-decay saprobes, they quietly break down dead hardwood and conifer twigs across temperate forest floors.

Jelly FungusDecomposerWood-Decaying
Trumpet Jelly Cup reference1 / 7
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyDead wood lignin, Cellulose, Hemicellulose
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Fungus gnat larvae
  • Snails
ThreatsForest clearance, removal of coarse woody debris, and severe prolonged droughts
HabitatsTemperate forests, mixed woodlands, and damp ravines on fallen branches
Life spanFruitbodies persist for several weeks; mycelium lives for years
Classification
  1. OrderDacrymycetales
  2. FamilyDacrymycetaceae
  3. GenusGuepiniopsis
  4. SpeciesGuepiniopsis buccina
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Many wild mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Moisture Timing: Search fallen, barkless branches and twigs shortly after rain when fruitbodies are hydrated and vibrant.
  • Macro Viewing: Bring a hand lens or macro lens to inspect the tiny trumpet rim and stalk structure.
  • Habitat Care: Avoid dislodging or crushing decaying logs, which maintain essential humidity for fungal mycelia.
Related species
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