Scarlet Elf Caps

The ring around the top of the fungus is thicker, could this just be a variation?

You may be right.

Check this out: http://www.flickr.com/photos/creationsin...

Ahhh, my bad I didn't see that!

Perhaps it could be early development of this species:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcoscypha...

rat.tumour, That is why I put the species as Sarcoscypha sp. I could not find a species with the white "stem" like these.

There are a couple of similar species apparently http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcoscypha...

Thanks so much Brandon!

I believe you would be correct, Scarlet Elf Caps fits the description as well as distribution range. Very NEAT find!

:) Brandon, Sarcoscypha sp.?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcoscypha... ?

you're welcome. :-D

Thanks Brandon! I will look into that!

I believe this is a species of cup fungus. I am not sure exactly which, although as the name suggests they are cup shaped and that would be a great starting point for your research to beging id'ing the species.