Syn.: Allophylaria terrigena P. Karst., Ciliaria scutellata (L.) Quél. ex Boud., Humariella scutellata (L.) J. Schröt., Lachnea scutellata (L.) Sacc., Patella scutellata (L.) Morgan, Peziza aurantiaca Vent., Peziza scutellata L.
Family: Pyronemataceae Corda

Scutellinia scutellata

Distribution: Found both in Europe and North America but there are records of this fungus in Africa, India and southeast Asia.

Ecology: Grows mostly on rotting wood of both conifers and deciduous trees, sometimes in decaying humus. Fruits from May until October.

Description: Fruiting body starts as small hairy knob, develops in a flat disc with hairy fringe; sessile disc to 15 mm across, hairs (eyelashes) dark brown to black, 2 mm long, bright scarlet to orange red, smooth. Flesh red, thin. Spores elliptic, measured in microns, minutely warted, with one or two oil droplets.

Edibility: Too puny to be of any importance, if you can find it for its size.

Scutellinia scutellata
Scutellinia scutellata
Scutellinia scutellata

These images were taken in Canada, Alberta, Millarville (August 2011).