Bog Waxcap
Hygrocybe coccineocrenata
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Drew Parker, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Drew Parker
Overview
The Bog Waxcap (Hygrocybe coccineocrenata) is a striking fungus characterized by its bright red to scarlet cap with distinctive crenulated (scalloped) margins and waxy texture. This small to medium-sized mushroom plays a crucial ecological role in nutrient cycling within specialized wetland ecosystems, forming complex relationships with moss communities and contributing to the decomposition of organic matter in acidic, waterlogged environments.
The Bog Waxcap is primarily threatened by habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural intensification, drainage of wetlands, and changes in traditional land management practices. The species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and pollution from agricultural runoff.
Habitat
Bog Waxcaps are found exclusively in acidic sphagnum bogs and wet heathlands, typically growing among moss carpets in areas with consistently high moisture levels and low nutrient availability. They favor undisturbed peat bog margins and seepage areas where the water table remains close to the surface year-round.
Other threatened species in Hygrophoraceae
Threatened in Austria
Frequently asked questions
Why is Bog Waxcap classified as Endangered?
Where does Bog Waxcap live?
What are the main threats to Bog Waxcap?
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