How to identify Dung-loving Psilocybe

To correctly identify Dung-loving Psilocybe (Psilocybe coprophila), 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.

   1-3 cm in diameter, convex to plano-convex, sometimes with a slight umbo. Surface is smooth, viscid when moist, becoming dry. Color ranges from dark brown to reddish-brown, fading to yellowish-brown or ochraceous when dry (hygrophanous). Margin is often striate when moist.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Adnate to adnexed, close, broad. Initially pallid to grayish, becoming dark purplish-brown to blackish with age due to spore maturation. Edges are often paler.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   2-6 cm long, 2-4 mm thick, cylindrical, often slightly tapering upwards. Color is whitish to brownish, often darker towards the base. Surface is smooth or finely pruinose at the apex. No annulus (ring) is present. Stems are typically solid or stuffed, becoming hollow with age. Does not bruise blue.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin, pallid to brownish, not bruising blue.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small, agaricoid mushroom, 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) in pastures, fields, and grassy areas.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, viscid when moist, hygrophanous

Growth Form

Gregarious or scattered

Spore Print

Dark purplish-brown to blackish

Body color

Dark brown to reddish-brown (moist), yellowish-brown to ochraceous (dry)

Odor

Mild, fungoid

Flesh bruises

No blue bruising

Height

2-6 cm

Cap Diameter

1-3 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to adnexed
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, sometimes slightly tapering upwards
• Stem surface: Smooth or finely pruinose at apex
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid or stuffed, becoming hollow

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