vs

Hygrocybe acutoconica compared with Hygrocybe turunda

Key Differences

• is Least Concern while is Vulnerable.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank
Kingdom same	Fungi (Fungi)	Fungi (Fungi)
Phylum same	Basidiomycota (Club Fungi)	Basidiomycota (Club Fungi)
Class same	Agaricomycetes (Mushrooms)	Agaricomycetes (Mushrooms)
Order same	Agaricales (Gilled Mushrooms)	Agaricales (Gilled Mushrooms)
Family same	Hygrophoraceae	Hygrophoraceae
Genus same	Hygrocybe	Hygrocybe
Species	Hygrocybe acutoconica	Hygrocybe turunda

Evolutionary Relationship

and share a common ancestor at the Genus level: Hygrocybe.

Conservation Status

LC — Least Concern

VU — Vulnerable

Physical Characteristics

Attribute
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Habitat

Typically found in forest floors, decomposing wood, and soil ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Habitat

Typically found in forest floors, decomposing wood, and soil ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Hygrocybe acutoconica is a waxcap fungus in the family Hygrophoraceae, assessed as Least Concern (LC). It produces acutely conical, bright yellow to orange fruiting bodies in unfertilised, ancient grasslands and is considered an indicator of grassland ecological integrity. It is widely distributed but locally dependent on stable, long-unimproved grassland habitats.

Hygrocybe turunda is a small, scarlet to orange-red waxcap mushroom with a dry, scaly cap surface distinguishing it from related smooth-capped species. It grows in unimproved, nutrient-poor grasslands and mossy lawns in temperate Europe, particularly in ancient meadows. This grassland waxcap indicates long-undisturbed, unfertilized grassland habitats of ecological value.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 3 countries:

🇩🇰 Denmark 🇳🇴 Norway 🇸🇪 Sweden