Phycomyces nitens
Description
Visible as a grey, fuzzy fungal mass. Hyphae unbranched with globose tip which is yellow at first and then black. Grows to about about 2 to 2.5 inches high.
Similar Species
There are three common species of Phycomyces which can only be told apart by microscopy:
P. microsporus has globose spores
P. blakesleeanus has oval to elliptical spores 8 -12 µm in length
P. nitens has oval to elliptical spores 15 - 30 µm µm in length
Identification difficulty

Habitat
Often grows on spilled seed/guano under bird feeders.
When to see it
Observed in most months.
UK Status
Widespread in Britain, but not often recorded.
VC55 Status
Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
Enter a town or village to see local records
MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015