Cobalt Crust vs

Terana coerulea compared with Terana caerulea

Key Differences

• Cobalt Crust is Not Evaluated while is Near Threatened.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Cobalt Crust
Kingdom same	Fungi (균계)	Fungi (균계)
Phylum same	Basidiomycota (담자균류)	Basidiomycota (담자균류)
Class same	Agaricomycetes (주름버섯강)	Agaricomycetes (주름버섯강)
Order same	Polyporales (구멍장이버섯목)	Polyporales (구멍장이버섯목)
Family same	Phanerochaetaceae	Phanerochaetaceae
Genus same	Terana	Terana
Species	Terana coerulea	Terana caerulea

Evolutionary Relationship

Cobalt Crust and share a common ancestor at the Genus level: Terana.

Conservation Status

Cobalt Crust

NE — Not Evaluated

NT — Near Threatened

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Cobalt Crust
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Cobalt Crust

Habitat

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

Range

Distributed across Chile, Norway, and United States.

Habitat

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

Range

Found across Asia (Taiwan) and Europe (5 countries). Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.

Cobalt Crust

Cobalt crust (Terana coerulea) is a distinctive crust-forming basidiomycete fungus in the family Phlebiaceae (order Polyporales), found across a broad range spanning Europe, North America, parts of Asia, and Australasia. It grows on the underside of dead hardwood logs, branches, and fallen timber in humid woodland, forming brilliant cerulean to cobalt-blue, waxy, resupinate fruiting bodies that are among the most visually striking of all wood-decay fungi. The vivid blue coloration results from the production of a pigment called corulein or is associated with the interaction of copper with fungal metabolites. Despite its startling appearance, cobalt crust is a typical white-rot fungus that decomposes cellulose and lignin in dead wood, contributing to nutrient cycling and soil formation in forest ecosystems. It is best detected during wet autumn and winter months when fruiting is most prolific. Its IUCN conservation status is Not Evaluated, consistent with its wide distribution and occurrence in many protected woodland areas. Cobalt crust is a sought-after find by mycologists and nature photographers due to its extraordinary coloration.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 1 countries:

🇳🇴 Norway