Synonyms: Albatrellus cristatus, Boletus cristatus, Caloporus cristatus, Cladomeris cristata, Grifola cristata, Grifola cristatiformis, Grifola poripes, Polypilus poripes, Polyporus agilis, Polyporus cristatiformis, Polyporus cristatus, Polyporus flavovirens, Polyporus poripes, Polyporus virellus, Scutiger cristatiformis, Scutiger cristatus.
Laeticutis cristata is a species of fungus that belongs to the family Fomitopsidaceae. It is a crust-forming fungus that grows on decaying wood, typically oak and other hardwoods. In East and Central Texas, Laeticutis cristata has been found in forests, particularly in areas with abundant oak trees, where it forms thin, effused crusts on logs and stumps. The fruiting bodies are resupinate, meaning they grow flat against the substrate, and have a smooth to slightly wrinkled surface that ranges in color from white to pale yellow or gray. Microscopic examination reveals cylindrical to club-shaped basidiospores that are 4-6 μm long. Laeticutis cristata is considered a saprotrophic fungus, playing a role in decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients in the ecosystem.
Mushroom with a large yellow cap Laeticutis cristata on a path south from Northern Trailhead for the Turkey Creek Trail of Big Thicket National Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 27, 2021
Top view of a large mushroom Laeticutis cristata south from Northern Trailhead for the Turkey Creek Trail of Big Thicket National Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 27, 2021
Underside view of a large yellow-cap mushroom Laeticutis cristata south from Northern Trailhead for the Turkey Creek Trail of Big Thicket National Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 27, 2021
Pore surface of a large yellow-cap mushroom Laeticutis cristata south from Northern Trailhead for the Turkey Creek Trail of Big Thicket National Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 27, 2021
Large yellow cap of a mushroom Laeticutis cristata completely covered by dry leaves on a path south from Northern Trailhead for the Turkey Creek Trail of Big Thicket National Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 27, 2021
Mature mushroom Laeticutis cristata cleaned from dry leaves south from Northern Trailhead for the Turkey Creek Trail of Big Thicket National Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 27, 2021
Underside of a mature mushroom Laeticutis cristata south from Northern Trailhead for the Turkey Creek Trail of Big Thicket National Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 27, 2021
Close-up of pores of a mature mushroom Laeticutis cristata south from Northern Trailhead for the Turkey Creek Trail of Big Thicket National Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 27, 2021
Cross section of a mature mushroom Laeticutis cristata south from Northern Trailhead for the Turkey Creek Trail of Big Thicket National Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 27, 2021Observations of Laeticutis cristata in East and Central Texas reveal that the fungus has a large yellow cap, as seen on a path south from the Northern Trailhead for the Turkey Creek Trail of Big Thicket National Preserve in Warren, Texas. The mushroom's top view shows a prominent cap, while its underside features a pore surface. Some specimens were found covered in dry leaves, which were later cleaned to reveal the mature mushroom. Close-up views of the pores and a cross-section of the mushroom provide further detail about its structure. The observations were made on November 27, 2021, and multiple views of the fungus were documented, including top, underside, and close-up perspectives. The large yellow cap of Laeticutis cristata is a distinctive feature of this species in East and Central Texas.
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