Fauna
Fungus

Jelly-antler

Calocera viscosa

Also known as Yellow Stagshorn, Coral Jelly Fungus, Jelly Staghorn, Yellow False Coral

Jelly-antler emerges as brilliant orange-yellow, rubbery forks from moss-covered conifer stumps and fallen logs throughout moist forests. Its tough, gelatinous branches retain their vivid color and moist texture even during heavy damp autumn rains, breaking down tough wood components. As a brown-rot fungus, it plays a vital ecological role by recycling nutrients back into acidic forest soils.

Bright YellowWood-DecayerJelly Fungus
Jelly-antler reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySaprotrophic (decomposes dead conifer wood)
Predators
  • Fungus Gnats
  • Slugs
  • Springtails
ThreatsForest clear-cutting and intensive removal of deadwood
HabitatsConiferous forests and mixed damp woodlands
Life spanFruiting bodies persist for several weeks; mycelium lives indefinitely
Classification
  1. FamilyDacrymycetaceae
  2. SpeciesCalocera viscosa
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
  • Substrate Observation: Look for bright orange-yellow tufts emerging directly from decaying conifer wood, often amidst damp moss.
  • Tactile Identification: Gently feel the branches to note their firm, pliable, rubbery texture, which distinguishes them from brittle coral fungi.
  • Seasonal Timing: Search after heavy rains from late summer through autumn when fruiting bodies peak in wet woodland environments.
Related species
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