Dune Waxcap
Hygrocybe conicoides
The Dune Waxcap (Hygrocybe conicoides) is a small, brightly colored fungus characterized by its distinctive conical cap that ranges from yellow to orange-red, often with a waxy appearance. This grassland fungus plays a crucial ecological role in nutrient cycling within coastal dune ecosystems, forming complex relationships with grasses and other vegetation in these specialized habitats.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Joaquin Martin, all rights reserved, uploaded by Joaquin Martin
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Agaricales
Family
Hygrophoraceae
Genus
Hygrocybe
Dune Waxcap belongs to the family Hygrophoraceae, order Agaricales, within the Agaricomycetes class.
Species Profile
The Dune Waxcap (Hygrocybe conicoides) is a small, brightly colored fungus characterized by its distinctive conical cap that ranges from yellow to orange-red, often with a waxy appearance. This grassland fungus plays a crucial ecological role in nutrient cycling within coastal dune ecosystems, forming complex relationships with grasses and other vegetation in these specialized habitats.
The Dune Waxcap is primarily threatened by habitat loss and degradation of coastal dune systems due to urban development, recreational activities, and coastal erosion. Climate change and sea level rise pose additional threats to its specialized dune grassland habitat, while nitrogen deposition from agricultural and industrial sources alters soil chemistry and reduces suitable habitat quality.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Dune Waxcap occurs in short, nutrient-poor grasslands on coastal sand dunes and dune slacks, particularly in areas with low-growing grasses and minimal soil disturbance. The species requires the specific microclimate conditions found in these maritime grassland communities, including well-drained sandy soils and exposure to salt spray.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
The Dune Waxcap is primarily threatened by habitat loss and degradation of coastal dune systems due to urban development, recreational activities, and coastal erosion. Climate change and sea level rise pose additional threats to its specialized dune grassland habitat, while nitrogen deposition from agricultural and industrial sources alters soil chemistry and reduces suitable habitat quality.
Coastal development and urbanization
Recreational trampling and disturbance
Climate change and sea level rise
Coastal erosion and habitat fragmentation
Nitrogen deposition and eutrophication
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). Dune Waxcap (Hygrocybe conicoides). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/dune-waxcap