March, 2018’s species of the month: Sarcoscypha austriaca

Habitat and distribution
Sarcoscypha austriaca or Scarlet Elfcup is a widespread species that likes damp woodland with Salix and Alnus and is often found on moss-covered logs of these species near standing water. Unlike many of the other larger more colourful fungi, this species starts to appear at the beginning of the year and tends to reach full maturity in late February to March.

Similar species
There are several very similar species in the genus which can only be separated with microscopy:

• S.coccinea is much more uncommon it was the sole species included in a field guide popularly used in the 1990s and this has probably skewed the UK records somewhat. There are few county records and clarification is needed to determine whether this species can currently be found in Sussex.
• S.jurana is only known from a couple of (dubious) early UK records. It should be looked for in Sussex wherever Tilia is present, as this is its preferred substrate.

Without microscopy, Sarcoscypha collections should be submitted as Sarcoscypha sp. or Sarcoscypha cf. austriaca. Fresh collections for species determination are welcomed and can be sent to:

N. Aplin
21 Shetland Close
Pound Hill
Crawley
West Sussex
RH10 7YZ

 

 

Every month it is our aim to highlight a species that is “in-season” and, although not necessarily rare or difficult to identify, has been highlighted by our local recording groups as being somewhat under-recorded and for which new records would therefore be welcomed.

If you or your recording group are aware of species such as this then please contact Bob Foreman.

Previous species of the month: