How to identify Banded Mottlegill

To correctly identify Banded Mottlegill (Panaeolus semiovatus), 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.

   The cap is typically 1.5-5 cm in diameter, oval to bell-shaped (campanulate) when young, expanding to convex but retaining a slight umbo (a central bump). The surface is smooth, often sticky when moist, and ranges in color from whitish to grayish, or tan. It is hygrophanous, meaning it changes color with moisture content, often drying to a paler shade. A characteristic feature is the presence of a slight band or zone near the margin.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to adnexed (attached to the stem but sometimes narrowly so), close to crowded, and initially grayish, maturing to mottled black as the spores develop. A key feature is the uneven maturation of spores, creating a mottled or banded appearance. The edges of the gills are often whitish and slightly fringed.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 4-12 cm long and 0.2-0.5 cm thick, cylindrical, equal in width or slightly enlarged at the base. It is smooth, fragile, and colored similarly to the cap or paler. A remnant of the partial veil may be present as a slight zone near the apex of the stem, but it is not a well-defined ring. The stem is typically hollow.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is thin and fragile, colored similarly to the cap. It lacks a distinctive odor or taste.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body of Panaeolus semiovatus is generally medium-sized, with a distinct cap and stem. It is fragile and ephemeral, often disappearing quickly after maturation.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Panaeolus semiovatus is a coprophilous fungus, meaning it grows on dung, especially that of horses and cattle. It is commonly found in pastures, fields, and other areas where livestock graze. It can also occur on enriched soil or compost.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, sticky when moist, hygrophanous.

Growth Form

Solitary or in small groups.

Spore Print

Black

Body color

Whitish, grayish, tan, or yellowish-brown.

Odor

Not Distinctive

Flesh bruises

Does not typically bruise.

Height

4-12 cm

Cap Diameter

1.5-5 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to adnexed
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, equal or slightly enlarged at the base.
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent or a faint annular zone.
• Stem cross-section: Hollow

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