Cyathus stercoreus
Cyathus stercoreus (Schwein.) De Toni
Nidularia stercorea Schwein.
Nidulariaceae
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(iii,iv)+2ab(ii,iii)].
Morphology and biology. Fruit-bodies slightly thickened at base, obconical, 0.5–1.5 cm high, 0.4–1 cm in diameter; with a short thin stalk or sessile. Peridium hairy outside, smooth inside. Peridioles lentil-shaped or round, up to 2(2.5) mm in diameter, smooth, black and shiny, with three-layered walls. Spores subglobose, 20–40 µm in diameter, hyaline; walls 3–4 µm thick, smooth. VII–VIII.
Habitats and populations. Grows on dung.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Northeast Bulgaria (Shtruklevo village, Rousse district), Slavyanka Mt, Thracian Lowland (Brestnik, Benkovski, Graf Ignatievo villages, Plovdiv district).
General distribution. Europe, Asia, North America, Australia.
Threats. Habitat loss/degradation caused by urbanization, development of tourism/recreation, and road infrastructure; soil pollution.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red List of Fungi in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Study of the population numbers and range; better understanding of the species biology and ecology; conservation of the habitats; regular monitoring.
References. Fakirova 1970b; Stoichev & Naidenov 1987; Denchev & Assyov 2010.
Authors: Roumyana D. Petrova & Cvetomir M. Denchev
