Group of Fungi: Cup Fungi

Family: Pyronemataceae

Latin Name: Scutellinia scutellata (L.) Lambotte

Common Name: Eyelash Cup

Description: Shallow saucer-shaped structure, 1/4–3/4 in (0.5–2 cm) wide, upper surface reddish orange to orange, lower surface light orange to pale brown, margin with dark brown to black, eyelash-like hairs extending outward; stalk very short or lacking spores white in mass.

Biological Role: Decomposer of wood.

Habitat: On decaying wood or less commonly on moist soil; often occurring in clusters.

Geographical Distribution: Found throughout North America.

Comments: If the fruiting bodies of Scutellinia scutellata are examined with a hand lens, the hair-like structures that represent the basis of its common name are readily apparent. This fungus is often exceedingly common on large, moist, well decayed logs and stumps.