How to identify Dung Bell

To correctly identify Dung Bell (Panaeolus papilionaceus), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   1-4 cm in diameter, campanulate (bell-shaped) to convex, often with a distinct papilla (nipple-like projection) in the center. The margin can be slightly incurved when young, becoming straight or slightly upturned with age, sometimes with remnants of a partial veil. Color varies from grayish-brown to yellowish-brown, often paler towards the margin, and can be hygrophanous, fading to a lighter tan or buff when dry. The surface is smooth, sometimes finely striate when moist.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Adnate to adnexed, close, broad, and often mottled due to the uneven ripening of spores. Initially grayish, becoming dark brown to black with age as spores mature. The gill edges are often paler.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   3-10 cm long, 1-4 mm thick, slender, cylindrical, often slightly tapering upwards. Color is whitish to grayish-brown, often darker towards the base. The surface is smooth or finely pruinose (powdery) at the apex. It is hollow and fragile, without a ring, though a temporary fibrillose zone may be present from the partial veil.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin, fragile, whitish to grayish, without a distinctive odor or taste.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small to medium-sized agaric, typically growing gregariously or scattered.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Saprobic, growing directly on dung (especially horse, cow, and sheep dung) or on heavily manured soil. It is a common species in pastures, fields, and gardens.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, sometimes finely striate when moist

Growth Form

Gregarious or scattered

Spore Print

Jet black

Body color

Grayish-brown to yellowish-brown

Odor

Indistinct

Flesh bruises

No significant bruising reaction

Height

3-10 cm

Cap Diameter

1-4 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to adnexed
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, often slightly tapering upwards
• Stem surface: Smooth or finely pruinose at apex
• Ring: Absent (sometimes a temporary fibrillose zone)
• Stem cross-section: Hollow

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