Barometer Earthstar Astraeus hygrometricus (Persoon) Morgan    Synonyms: False Earthstar.
Kingdom Fungi   >   Phylum Basidiomycota   >   Class Agaricomycetes   >   Order Boletales   >   Family Diplocystaceae   >   Genus Astraeus   

Status:

Astraeus hygrometricus has been widely reported from North America. However, recent studies have revealed new species of Astraeus in North America with similar features (e.g., Astraeus smithii and Astraeus morganii; Phosri et al. 2013, IMA Fungus 4: 347–356.). In addition, these studies suggested that Astraeus hygrometricus may not occur in North America. In light of these studies, it is not yet clear which species of Astraeus occur in Maryland.

Description:

The rays surrounding the fruiting body are hygroscopic, expanding and contracting with the weather conditions (L. Biechele, pers. comm.).

Where to find:

Astraeus hygrometricus can be found in sandy, relatively open soil.

There are 29 records in the project database.

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A Barometer Earthstar in Worcester Co., Maryland (9/16/2014). Photo by Jim Stasz. (MBP list)

Barometer Earthstar found in sandy soil along a roadside in Worcester Co., Maryland (5/27/2013). Photo by Lance Biechele. (MBP list)

Barometer Earthstar in Howard Co., Maryland (4/14/2011). (c) Joanne and Robert Solem, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Joanne Solem. (MBP list)

A Barometer Earthstar in Calvert Co., Maryland (5/28/2020). Photo by Ben Springer. (MBP list)

Barometer Earthstar on Assateague Island, Maryland (2/9/2013). Identified by Lance Biechele. Photo by Bill Hubick. (MBP list)

Barometer Earthstar in Howard Co., Maryland (4/13/2013). Photo by Robert Solem. (MBP list)

Spores of Barometer Earthstar in Howard Co., Maryland (4/14/2011). (c) Joanne and Robert Solem, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Joanne Solem. (MBP list)

Spores of Barometer Earthstar in Howard Co., Maryland (6/23/2014). Round, warted, brown; measured 9.0-18.8 microns. Photo by Robert Solem. (MBP list)


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