Mushroom

@ Machi...thank you for telling me. I won't feel guilty now...just wishing I had known ...but from now on I will.

@Machi: Interesting! Thanks so much for the info!

The organism is much larger than what you will likely disturb by pulling. Numerous scientific studies have shown that neither method has much effect on future yields.

I second that, Machi! :) I've heard that using a knife to cut close (instead of yanking up the entire substrate) is a better option--so that is the method I've been using for the most part.

Spore prints are helpful too. I used to feel guilty about picking one for photos too, but it is not going to reduce the mushroom population if you pull one that is already open. It is basically like picking an apple from a tree; you won't kill the tree by picking the apple. Actually, you would likely help it spread its spores even more.

Yes, I think I will start doing that...I do it for garden mushrooms anyway. Just that I was unusure about these ones...did not expect Scotland to be so rich in mushrooms and lichens. If only I had known which ones were edible our food bills would have been nil :)
Your spotting is so interesting...the larvae look like these are made of jelly. @flownthe loop

I understand completely! :) I still haven't gotten one of those handy mirrors yet. I usually just take several photos and then flip one mushroom at the end for additional shots. Thanks for the congrats! I am so excited about it!

Yes I know but I did not have a mirror to slide under and I did not want to damage the mushrooms...I KNEW ID would be difficult with just top shots but did not know how to photograph the under-surface... @flown the loop.
Congrats on your SOTD!

Beautiful! For better mushroom IDs, a view of the underside (gills, stipe, etc) proves most helpful.