Mosaic Puffball - Handkea utriformis

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Description

The species derives its common name 'Mosaic Puffball' from the mosaic pattern across the top and sides that develops as the fruiting body matures and the outer wall breaks up into polygonal patches. Young specimens are usually 6 to 12 cm across.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Grassland

When to see it

Autumn

UK Status

Widespread throughout Britain though seldom common.

VC55 Status

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.

  • David Nicholls
    Altar Stones
    28 November 2013
  • David Nicholls
    Altar Stones
    28 November 2013
  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote
    09 May 2010
    Spent fruiting bodies
  • Steve Mathers
    Jubilee Way (Stathern to Terrace Hills)
    06 October 2017
    Detail of mosaic

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote
    09 May 2010
  • Steve Mathers
    Jubilee Way (Stathern to Terrace Hills)
    06 October 2017
    mosaic texture