Helvella sublicia

An uncommon species whose macroscopic characters make it easily identifiable. Coloration varies from greyish-brown to dark grey, typically saddle-shaped, though sometimes more irregular. The hymenium is smooth, while the outer surface is distinctly felted-downy.

This small species, difficult to spot due to its modest size, occurs in humid forest areas.

The specimens studied microscopically here were collected in a landscaped area in Zamudio (Bizkaia) in November. Earlier photographs are included from collections in Baztan (Navarre) under Fagus sylvatica and Amurrio (Álava) under Corylus avellana in July and June, respectively.