Leopard Earthball - Scleroderma areolatum
Description
Approximately 2 to 5 cm across. The skin is smooth and creamy yellow in colour whilst the spots are brownish, numerous and rather like those of a leopard. The spores are purple-grey or blackish.
Identification difficulty

Habitat
On the ground, often under oak or other trees, and frequently near woodland edge.
When to see it
Late summer and autumn.
Life History
Usually occurs in groups.
UK Status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
VC55 Status
Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland, though less common than Scleroderma citrinum.
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