Actually he was paid the required union fee under the insect stand-in category. Mark

grasshopper to pose for your photo.

Thanks John. Mark

I do not know of a good key to them. The one you suggest is the most commonly reported one from our area. I have seen at least 3 species of them and do not kave a good key. I have not tried the one from Lowy in Mycologia that uses internal features, I typically look at external ones such as if they are somewhat fuzzy or not.

Thanks again John for the identification and clearing up why this couldn’t be Polyozellus multiplex. Is Auricularia auricula the only specie in our area or is this a cluster that is evolving and being researched. Best Wishes, Mark

Polyozellus multiplex should grow on the soil under spruce prehaps a few other conifers. Auricularia always grows on wood not soil.

I’m looking for ideas for this interesting mushroom taken in this picture with a grasshopper friend. Thanks, Mark Prosser