Fauna
Fungus · GBIF taxon 3317006

Shiny Mottlegill

Panaeolus semiovatus

Also known as Ringed Panaeolus, Egghead Mottlegill

Shiny Mottlegill emerges directly from animal dung, featuring a glossy ivory-to-buff cap that dries to a pale wrinkled tan. Its gills turn mottled black as dark spores mature, contrasting with a tall white stem anchored by a persistent ring. As an active saprotroph, this mushroom rapidly breaks down herbivore manure in pastures and open fields across temperate regions worldwide.

Dung DwellingSpotted GillsFungus
Shiny Mottlegill reference1 / 7
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—observations
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—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Herbivore dung
  • Organic matter
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Fungus gnats
  • Beetle larvae
ThreatsAgricultural intensification and pasture chemical treatments
HabitatsPastures, grasslands, dung heaps, grazed fields
Life spanFruiting body lasts 3 to 7 days
Classification
  1. OrderAgaricales
  2. FamilyBolbitiaceae
  3. GenusPanaeolus
  4. SpeciesPanaeolus semiovatus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Cap inspection: Observe the egg-shaped, sticky cap that turns dull and finely cracked as it dries.
  • Check the ring: Look for the distinct high ring on the stem, which catches black falling spores.
  • Spore printing: Place a cap on white paper to confirm the dark jet-black spore print.
Related species
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