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Egghead mottlegill

Panaeolus semiovatus

A species of Panaeolus

The egghead mottlegill is a common, inedible mushroom that grows on horse dung. It's known by the name "egghead mottlegill" because its distinctive, curving cap resembles a miniature egg. It varies in color from white to brown a yellowish buff but always has black spores.

Cap Diameter:

2 - 9 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Egghead mottlegill

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Attributes of Egghead mottlegill

Cap Diameter

2 - 9 cm

Height

8 - 18 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 9 cm across; convex; ivory to cream; smooth or wrinkled, slimy when damp

Cap Shape

Convex

Cap Surfaces

Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Attached; close; dark gray, becoming mottled black

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 8 - 18 cm long, 1.5 cm thick; bulbous at the base; whitish; smooth

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Soft; whitish

Ring

Blackend by spores

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

Black

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

White

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On animal dung

You can find Egghead mottlegill by these plants:

Oaks, Willows

Occurence Habitats

Meadows

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Egghead mottlegill

Fruiting Body Immature Fruiting Body Cap

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Habitat of Egghead mottlegill

The egghead mottlegill can be found in pastures, meadows, and other grassy areas grazed by horses. This fungus exclusively grows on horse dung, and occasionally in freshly manured soil.

Distribution Area of Egghead mottlegill

North America,Europe,North Africa,Central America,northern Asia,New Zealand

Hunting Values of Egghead mottlegill

Edibility is controversial. Some guides consider it edible, while others believe it may contain toxins.

Uses of Egghead mottlegill

Egghead mottlegill is considered a questionable edible mushroom, indicating that its consumption may pose risks. While not popular in culinary circles due to potential toxicity, it is sometimes gathered by those familiar with its identification and preparation. However, caution is advised as improper handling or preparation can lead to adverse effects. Its availability tends to be seasonal, and it's not commonly found in markets. Collectors should prioritize safety and consult experts before considering egghead mottlegill for personal use.

Scientific Classification of Egghead mottlegill

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Genus

Panaeolus

Toxicity and Edibility of Egghead mottlegill

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Is Egghead mottlegill Toxic?

Further study is needed on the exact toxicity of the egghead mottlegill is conflicting, but there have been reports of stomach upset and GI symptoms in people who have consumed this mushroom. Others report potential disorientation and anxiety symptoms.

Similar Species to Egghead mottlegill

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Petticoat mottlegill

Similar Species

Egghead mottlegill

How to Differentiate Between Petticoat mottlegill and Egghead mottlegill?

Egghead mottlegill: Stem features a conspicuous, though often fragile, ring.

Petticoat mottlegill: Ring on the stem is usually absent or very slight.

Egghead mottlegill: Cap margin is bare.

Petticoat mottlegill: Cap margin has tooth-like remnants.

Mower's mushroom

Similar Species

Egghead mottlegill

How to Differentiate Between Mower's mushroom and Egghead mottlegill?

Egghead mottlegill: The gills turn blackish in maturity.

Mower's mushroom: Gills turn brownish, never blackish.

Egghead mottlegill: Has a thick, sturdy stem.

Mower's mushroom: Features a relatively thin, delicate stem.

Panaeolus antillarum

Similar Species

Egghead mottlegill

How to Differentiate Between Panaeolus antillarum and Egghead mottlegill?

Egghead mottlegill: Has a thick, sturdy stem that is smooth.

Panaeolus antillarum: Features a slightly thinner stem which is distinctly pruinose or finely powdered.

Egghead mottlegill: The cap is sticky when wet.

Panaeolus antillarum: Cap remains dry, not sticky even when wet.

Tips for Finding Egghead mottlegill

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When is the Best Time to Find Egghead mottlegill

Search for egghead mottlegill during warm, humid conditions after rain showers. Best found in late spring to early summer and after periods of significant rainfall.

What are Some Tips for Finding Egghead mottlegill

Search in areas where horses graze as egghead mottlegill typically grows on or near horse manure.
Inspect dung piles, focusing on fresh to slightly aged manure as potential sites.
Look for egghead mottlegill growing alone or in small groups, rather than in large clusters.
Be observant of the surrounding ground beside dung heaps, as egghead mottlegill can also grow adjacent to these areas.

How to Clean and Preserve Egghead mottlegill

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How to Clean Egghead mottlegill

To clean egghead mottlegill, start with gentle brushing to remove excess soil. Scrape stems and caps with a knife to eliminate spoiled parts, then brush the cap's underside. Use a damp cloth for remaining dirt, and dry mushrooms immediately to prevent water absorption.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Egghead mottlegill

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in cool, dark, low humidity environment with airtight containers to prevent reabsorption of moisture.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient moisture removal, preserving texture, suitable for high water content.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Egghead mottlegill

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Plastic Wrap Storage, Cloth Wrapping

Temperature

1 - 4 ℃