Figure 443.—Cyathus stercoreus.
Stercoreus is from stercus, dung. This species, as the name suggests, is found on manure or manured grounds. Mr. Lloyd gives the following description: "The cups are even inside, and with shaggy hairs outside. When old they become smoother, and are sometimes mistaken for Cyathus vernicosus. However when once learned, the plants can be readily distinguished by the cups. Cyathus stercoreus varies considerably, however, as to shape and size of cups, according to habitat. If growing on a cake of manure, they are shorter and more cylindrical; if in loose manured ground, especially in grass, they are more slender and inclined to a stalk at the base." The peridioles or eggs are blacker than other species. They are found in late summer and fall.
Crucibulum. Tul.
The peridium consists of a uniform, spongy, fibrous felt, closed by a flat scale-like covering of the same color.
The sporangia are plane, attached by a cord, springing from a small nipple-like tubercle.
This genus is distinguished from Cyathus, its nearest ally, by the peridial wall, consisting of two layers only.