Coprinellus s.l. on damp soil (mixed with excreta/animal bedding)

Hello, I am a bit stuck with this finding from the Maltese islands of a Coprinellus sp. on damp soil mixed with farm animal bedding (= rich in nitrites), which gave me an indication around Coprinellus disseminatus, but the micro does not match because the spores are too large. They have a large central pore.

(9.7) 10.1 - 12.5 (13.4) × (5.3) 5.7 - 6.4 (6.6) µm

Q = (1.6) 1.7 - 2 ; N = 21

Me = 10.8 × 5.9 µm; Q = 1.8

Veil elements spherical

Cheilocystida present, not abundant (maybe old specimen) - Lageniform to subutriform, approx. 60 x 20 µm

C. micaceus maybe ?? but not happy, look the gills they are widely spaced (C. micaceus dense)

hmmm... the more I look at this fungus, the more I am puzzled.

The stem is brown, not much as many Coprinellus which is often beige or white. The spore cover is minimal, indeed the gills are brown not dark-brown / black

I was wondering I I had a mixed collection of two species but it is clearly shown that the lamella are forming the black spores. The gills are then widely spaced apart (most Coprinus are densely packed). The spores however are typically of a Coprinus s.l.

Hi Marcel, Yes, that makes more sense! I dont know why I neglected this Genus (the animal excreta maybe?!) although the plicate cap (deep furrows) and small size are features of Coprinellus s.l.

Hello Matthias,

Sorry for late reply. Actually I am back on track as Coprinellus sp for this finding, rather Psathyrella. Your suggestion fit several characters esp. in the microscopic aspect, but hmmm... the macro comparison is not that very convincing coz my specimens have this tawny (brown) colour whereas the cap of C. hiascens is mouse-grey Although I seen images having a browner colour on the net.

What is so strange with this collection is the lack of deliquescence and the production of few spores observed in all specimens, where the gills remain pale to moderate brown. Coprinellus sp. are usually black and show deliquescence. Another thing is the lack of pileocystidia in the cuticle (or did I miss them ?!? )

I see if I can send it for molecular determination in the future, but it is a very odd finding.

TNX