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Earpick Fungus (Auriscalpium vulgare)

The earpick fungus (Auriscalpium vulgare) is a widespread mushroom which emerges from decaying conifer cones. Along the Pacific coast, it is most commonly found on Douglas-fir cones, but other substrates have been noted, especially in different regions. Despite its prevalence, this mycological wonder is often overlooked due to its small stature and dark, camouflaged colors when viewed from above. If you should happen to find one, carefully turn it over and pull out your magnifying glass for a fascinating view of the many spore-bearing "teeth" or spines. Additional common names include pinecone mushroom and cone tooth.


Earpick fungus (Auriscalpium vulgare). Focus-stacked composite of 55 exposures. Mount Tamalpais State Park, Marin County, California, USA.
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Earpick fungus (Auriscalpium vulgare), low-angle view showing the "teeth" or spines on the underside of the mushroom. Focus-stacked composite image. Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Marin County, California, USA.
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Earpick fungus (Auriscalpium vulgare), side view showing the entire mushroom, as well as the attachment point to the Douglas-fir cone from which it emerged. Focus-stacked composite image. Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Marin County, California, USA.
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Earpick fungus (Auriscalpium vulgare), extreme close-up of the spore-bearing "teeth" or spines. Focus-stacked composite of 564 exposures at 10x lifesize. Mount Tamalpais State Park, Marin County, California, USA.
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Earpick fungus (Auriscalpium vulgare), fresh mushroom emerging from older mushroom. Focus-stacked composite image. Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California, USA.
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Earpick fungus (Auriscalpium vulgare). Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, Napa County, California, USA.
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Earpick fungus (Auriscalpium vulgare), high-magnification (2:1) close-up of the spore-bearing surface. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, Napa County, California, USA.
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Earpick fungus (Auriscalpium vulgare), overhead view emphasizing the fuzzy mushroom cap surface. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, Napa County, California, USA.
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Earpick fungus (Auriscalpium vulgare). Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, Napa County, California, USA.
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Earpick fungus (Auriscalpium vulgare). Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Marin County, California, USA.
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Earpick fungus (Auriscalpium vulgare). Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Marin County, California, USA.
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Next: Bleeding blue tooth (Hydnellum cyanopodium)



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All pictures copyright Timothy Boomer. All rights reserved worldwide.