# Orbilia

Orbilia is a small, colorful fungus often found in damp places. These tiny mushrooms help break down dead plant material, making the forest healthy and green!

- **Category:** [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fungi)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Damp forest floors, decaying wood, and grassy areas.
- **Also known as:** Moss Fungus

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

Photo: George Riner (mycogeo), CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Orbilia_spp.jpg)

## Appearance

The Orbilia is a tiny, often translucent disc-shaped fungus, typically less than 2mm wide. They can be found in vibrant shades of white, yellow, orange, or pink, often appearing like small drops of jelly on decaying wood or plant matter.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Fungi
- **Phylum:** Ascomycota
- **Class:** Orbiliomycetes
- **Order:** Orbiliales
- **Family:** Orbiliaceae
- **Genus:** Orbilia

## Interesting facts

- Imagine hundreds of Orbilia fungi fitting onto a single fallen leaf!
- Some Orbilia species are carnivores, trapping and eating tiny worms called nematodes!
- Their 'spores' are so light, they can travel far and wide on the smallest breeze!
- You'd need a magnifying glass to see most Orbilia, they're smaller than a pinhead!

## Special abilities

- **Microscopic Hunter:** Orbilia can ensnare tiny worms (nematodes) using special sticky traps because of microscopic structures that help them catch food.
- **Tiny Decomposer:** Orbilia has powerful enzymes that help them break down dead wood and plant material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
- **Water World Weaver:** Orbilia can thrive in microscopic water films because of their ability to adapt to damp environments on wood and plant surfaces.

## Measurements & details

- **Edible:** inedible
- **Size:** 0.05-0.2 cm
- **Growth Substrate:** wood
- **Season:** Year-round
- **Spore Color:** White

## Ecological connections

- **Parasitizes:** vinegar eel (*Panagrellus redivivus*) — Orbilia trap and consume these nematodes.
- **Parasitizes:** nematode (*Caenorhabditis elegans*) — Certain Orbilia species prey on these soil-dwelling worms.
- **Eats:** common oak (*Quercus robur*) — Orbilia helps decompose dead wood from oak trees.

## 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.

## Collections

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

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Orbilia?

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.

### Is Orbilia edible?

inedible

### How big is Orbilia?

0.05-0.2 cm

### Where is Orbilia usually found?

Damp forest floors, decaying wood, and grassy areas.

### What does Orbilia grow on?

wood

### When is Orbilia in season?

Year-round

### What color are Orbilia spores?

White

## 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*)

---

Source: [Orbilia: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/orbilia)