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.
Graham CalowSapcote2 September 2013
Graham CalowSapcote24 September 2013specimen examined
Graham CalowSapcote2 September 2013specimen examined
David NichollsBrocks Hill Country Park25 September 2019
AJ CannKnighton23 September 2017
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015
UK Map
Saharima RoenischField adjacent to Stoughton Lane02 September 2017
Steve MathersBeacon Hill CP05 October 2016
Graham CalowSapcote24 September 2013specimen examined
