Synonym: Hygrophorus chamaeleon.
Common name: Chameleon Waxcap.
Hygrocybe chamaeleon is a species of waxcap fungus that grows on the ground in fields, meadows, and woodlands. In East and Central Texas, it typically fruits from October to December, producing small to medium-sized caps that are 1-4 cm in diameter, variable in shape, and range in color from yellow to orange to reddish-brown. The gills are narrowly attached to the stem and are pale yellow to cream-colored. The stem is slender, 2-6 cm long, and often curved or twisted. This fungus is found in association with grasses and other herbaceous plants in areas with rich soil and moderate moisture.
Gills of a waxcap mushroom Hygrocybe chamaeleon collected during a mushroom walk on a property at 5369 Farm to Market Road 770 near Kountze. Texas, June 8, 2019
5369 Farm to Market Rd 770, Kountze, TX 77625, USA
Waxcap mushroom Hygrocybe chamaeleon collected during a mushroom walk on a property at 5369 Farm to Market Road 770 near Kountze. Texas, June 8, 20195369 Farm to Market Rd 770, Kountze, TX 77625, USA
Waxcap mushrooms Hygrocybe chamaeleon(?) in grass in area of a pine forest cleaned by a recent burn on Lone Star Hiking Trail south from Stubblefield Campground in Sam Houston National Forest. Montgomery, Texas, September 13, 2020Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Cross section of waxcap mushrooms Hygrocybe chamaeleon(?) on Lone Star Hiking Trail south from Stubblefield Campground in Sam Houston National Forest. Montgomery, Texas, September 13, 2020Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USAObservations of Hygrocybe chamaeleon in East and Central Texas reveal distinct characteristics. The gills of the mushroom were observed to be intact on a specimen collected near Kountze on June 8, 2019. Specimens found in the same area had vibrant colors and were in good condition. In contrast, specimens collected in Montgomery, Texas on September 13, 2020, were found in an area that had recently undergone a controlled burn, suggesting the species may thrive in disturbed environments. The cross-section of these mushrooms showed typical waxcap morphology. The presence of Hygrocybe chamaeleon in both grassy and pine forest areas indicates adaptability to different habitats. Overall, observations suggest that Hygrocybe chamaeleon is a resilient species capable of growing in various environments across East and Central Texas. The species was found in June and September, indicating a potential summer and early fall fruiting period.
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