How to identify Eyelash Cup

To correctly identify Eyelash Cup (Scutellinia scutellata), 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 cup-shaped, typically 2-10 mm in diameter. The inner surface is bright red to orange-red, while the outer surface is paler and may be slightly hairy.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Absent, as it is a cup fungus.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent; the fungus is sessile (attaches directly to the substrate).

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is very thin and reddish.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small, cup-shaped fungus with bright red inner surface and dark, eyelash-like hairs (setae) around the rim.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Found on decaying wood, bark, and plant debris in damp woodland areas.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth inner surface, slightly hairy outer surface

Growth Form

Cup-shaped

Spore Print

White to pale yellow

Body color

Bright red to orange-red

Odor

Not distinctive

Flesh bruises

No bruising reaction

Height

1-3 mm

Cap Diameter

2-10 mm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: N/A (cup fungus)
• Stem shape: N/A (sessile)
• Stem surface: N/A (sessile)
• Ring: absent
• Stem cross-section: N/A (sessile)

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