# Fragile Dapperling (*leucocoprinus fragilissimus*)

The Fragile Dapperling is a tiny mushroom that looks like a little umbrella! It can often be found growing in grassy areas, hiding among the blades of grass.

- **Category:** [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fungi)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Snaps:** 1
- **Habitat:** Grassy areas, lawns, and forest floors.
- **Also known as:** Fragile Fungus, Little Umbrella, Tiny Mushroom

![Fragile Dapperling](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Leucocoprinus_fragillissimus_38188.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Michael (inski), CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Leucocoprinus_fragillissimus_38188.jpg)

## Appearance

The Fragile Dapperling has a small, delicate cap, typically white to pale cream, starting bell-shaped then flattening. Its slender stem and thin, free white gills make it appear very translucent and easily breakable.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Fungi
- **Phylum:** Basidiomycota
- **Class:** Agaricomycetes
- **Order:** Agaricales
- **Family:** Agaricaceae
- **Genus:** Leucocoprinus

## Interesting facts

- It quickly fades away after appearing, sometimes turning yellowish as it dries out.
- Its gills are completely free from the stem, like tiny hanging curtains!
- Its scientific name, 'fragilissimus,' literally means 'very fragile'!
- This mushroom often pops up in unexpected places like potted plants in your house!

## Special abilities

- **Fast Spore Disperser:** Fragile Dapperling has microscopic white spores that can be carried by wind or water, helping it spread quickly to new locations.
- **Quick Starter:** Fragile Dapperling can appear suddenly overnight, growing very fast, especially after rain, making it a surprise garden guest.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 3-8 cm
- **Edible:** poisonous
- **Size:** 1-4 cm
- **Growth Substrate:** soil
- **Season:** Year-round
- **Spore Color:** White

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** [Eastern White Pine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-white-pine) (*Pinus strobus*) — Decomposes dead needles and wood chips.
- **Eats:** Weeping Fig (*Ficus benjamina*) — Breaks down organic matter in its pot.
- **Symbiotic with:** [Earthworm](https://www.snappit.app/explore/earthworm) (*Lumbricus terrestris*) — Works together to break down soil organic matter.
- **Eats:** [Fruit Fly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fruit-fly) (*Drosophila melanogaster*) — Larvae consume decaying mushroom tissue.

## Traits

- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.

## Collections

- [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fungi)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Do not touch or eat wild mushrooms unless an adult says it's safe.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Fragile Dapperling?

Compare the cap shape, the underside, the stem and base, and whether the fungus grows on wood or soil. Some fungi have gills, others pores or teeth. A cap seen only from above often hides the most useful features. Mushroom Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Fragile Dapperling?

3-8 cm

### Is Fragile Dapperling edible?

poisonous

### How big is Fragile Dapperling?

1-4 cm

### Where is Fragile Dapperling usually found?

Grassy areas, lawns, and forest floors.

### What does Fragile Dapperling grow on?

soil

### When is Fragile Dapperling in season?

Year-round

### What color are Fragile Dapperling spores?

White

## Where to spot

- [Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/central-florida-zoo-and-botanical-gardens) — Florida, US · Zoo
- [Mathews Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mathews-park) — Florida, US · Park

## More Fungi

- [Field Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Button Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/button-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Portobello Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/portobello-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Shiitake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/shiitake) (*Lentinula*)

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Source: [Fragile Dapperling: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fragile-dapperling)