Aurocapilla

Aurocapilla is a genus of fungi belonging to the family Bolbitiaceae. These mushrooms are commonly known as cone caps or even dung caps due to their frequent association with dung and decaying organic matter. The genus was described by French mycologist Jean-Edouard Gilbert in 1918.

Species within Aurocapilla are generally small to medium-sized mushrooms. They typically feature a conical or bell-shaped cap that may become more convex with age. The color of the cap can vary, often ranging from pale yellow to brown or reddish-brown. The gills are adnate or sinuate and change color as the spores mature, usually from a lighter hue to a rust-brown. The stem is often slender and fragile, sometimes with a subtle ring or remnants of a veil.

Aurocapilla species are saprotrophic, meaning they obtain nutrients by decomposing dead organic material. They are commonly found in grasslands, meadows, pastures, and disturbed areas where there is an abundance of decomposing plant matter, including animal dung. Their widespread distribution occurs in temperate and subtropical regions across the globe. While some species may be confused with other small brown mushrooms, their characteristic spore print color and habitat are key identification features. No Aurocapilla species are widely recognized as edible or poisonous, and they are generally not considered to be of significant culinary or medicinal importance. Further research is ongoing to fully understand the diversity and ecological roles of this genus.