Copper Brittlegill
Russula decolorans
Russula decolorans, commonly known as the graying russula, is a Russula mushroom found in forests. Although edible, it resembles several questionable species.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russula_decolorans
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Russulales
Family
Russulaceae
Genus
Russula
Copper Brittlegill belongs to the family Russulaceae, order Russulales, within the Agaricomycetes class.
Species Profile
Russula decolorans, commonly known as the graying russula, is a Russula mushroom found in forests. Although edible, it resembles several questionable species.
The Copper Brittlegill faces significant threats from habitat degradation and loss of suitable forest ecosystems due to logging, agricultural expansion, and urban development. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the delicate soil chemistry and moisture conditions required for mycorrhizal relationships with host trees. Conservation status may vary by region or assessment authority, but declining populations reflect broader pressures on forest fungal communities.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Coniferous and mixed forests, particularly in association with spruce and pine trees where it forms essential mycorrhizal relationships. Typically found in acidic soils of boreal and temperate forest ecosystems across northern regions.
Threats
Agricultural expansion
Deforestation and logging
Climate change impacts on soil conditions
Disruption of mycorrhizal host relationships
Urban development
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Copper Brittlegill (Russula decolorans). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/copper-brittlegill