Leucoagaricus leucothites - White Dapperling

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

Looking something like a cross between a Parasol and a Field Mushroom, the White Dapperling differs from both in having very much paler gills at maturity and white spores. Although fairly common, these larger than life dapperlings tend to be localised. In fields where they occur there are often large numbers of them scattered around in groups. Some authorities say that White Dapperlings are slightly poisonous, so stick with the guideline of shunning all white-gilled fungi.

Identification guide

	Cap Initially convex, expanding to become almost flat; often smooth and silky but occasionally with tiny flakes or scales; white, gradually becoming flushed pale cream-ochre or flesh-coloured; smooth and silky. Cap diameter at maturity ranges from 3 to 9cm.
	Gills The free, crowded gills are white at first, becoming pale flesh-pink. Stem White; smooth above ring, longitudinally fibrillose below; cylindrical with a bulbous base; the white ring sometimes becomes moveable. 6 to 8cm long and 0.8 to 1.8cm diameter.
Spore print	White.
Odour/taste	Not significant.
Habitat	Usually in small groups in permanent pastures.
Season	June to October.
Occurrence	Fairly common.
Similar species	Agaricus campestris has pink gills that turn brown as the spores mature.