Horn stalkball (Onygena corvina) fungus on a dead bird on mushroom show in Botanic Gardens of Komarov Botanical Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 30, 2017Common name: feather stalkball.
Russian name: Onigena ptichya.
Onygena corvina is a keratinophilic fungus that grows on the feathers and bones of birds. In St. Petersburg, Leningrad Oblast, and north-western Russia, it has been found in various environments, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas, typically associated with bird nests, carcasses, or other keratin-rich substrates. The fungus is relatively rare in the region, but its presence has been documented in several studies, highlighting its ability to decompose keratin-based materials in northern European ecosystems.
Horn stalkball (Onygena corvina) fungus on a dead bird on mushroom show in Botanic Gardens of Komarov Botanical Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 30, 2017The Onygena corvina fungus was observed growing on a dead bird at the Botanic Gardens of Komarov Botanical Institute in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on September 30, 2017. This sighting is notable as it provides evidence of the fungus's presence in Leningrad Oblast and north-western Russia. The fungus was found to be thriving in this environment, suggesting that it may be well-suited to the region's climate and conditions. Further observations are needed to fully understand the distribution and habits of Onygena corvina in this area, but this initial finding suggests that it may be more widespread than previously thought. The discovery of the fungus on a dead bird also highlights its role as a decomposer and potential agent of nutrient cycling in ecosystems. This observation contributes to our understanding of the ecology and biology of Onygena corvina.
Russian web-forums Planeta Gribov, V Kontakte, and Griby Sredney Polosy for learning names of local mushrooms.
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