Share 'A delicate Inkcap fungus growing in the Shade area, Oct 30th '12'

This group of fungi - 'Inkcaps' belongs to the genus Coprinus. The common name refers to the way in which as the cap matures, its gills start to break down into a black inky liquid. The one in the photo is beginning to do this, where you can see the development of blackish edges to the gills. The individual shown is one of several small Coprinus species that are very similar in appearance. This one may be Hare's Foot Inkcap, C. lagopus, a common species.