Some Amanita Fungi

Now that most insects have bedded down for the winter, I have once again turned my attention to trying to improve my fungi identification skills. I do find this group extremely challenging to identify to species level but this year I have concentrated my efforts on getting to know the Amanita family. They are a group that have features in common with each other and are often attractive and statuesque in appearance.

The notable absentee amongst the following photographs is the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) which I have not managed to find this autumn. The type of woods that I have been searching in have probably not been ideal habitat for this species.

Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria)

Blusher (Amanita rubescens)

Panther Cap (Amanita pantherina)

False Panther Cap (Amanita excelsa)

False Death Cap (Amanita citrina)

Some October Moths

 Opportunities to put the moth-trap out in my wealden garden during October were dogged by wet and windy overnight weather. Catches were generally small but here are some images of a few species that are always nice to find waiting for me in the morning.

Merveille du Jour (Dichonia aprilina)

Red-line Quaker (Agrochola lota)

                                                                           

Grey Shoulder-knot (Lithophane ornitopus lactipennis)

Spruce Carpet (Thera britannica)

Red-green Carpet (Chloroclysta siterata)