Overview
The genus Coprinus historically encompassed many “ink‑cap” mushrooms, but molecular phylogenetic studies carried out in the early 2000s resulted in a major taxonomic revision. Most former Coprinus species were transferred to the genera Coprinopsis, Coprinellus, and Parasola. Consequently, contemporary mycological databases (e.g., Index Fungorum, MycoBank, Species Fungorum) recognize only a very limited set of species that remain in Coprinus.
Currently Accepted Species (as of the latest consensus)
| Species | Authority | Common name(s) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coprinus comatus | (Schaeff.) Pers. | Shaggy ink cap, lawyer’s wig | The sole widely accepted species that remains in the genus Coprinus. It is saprobic, grows in grasslands and disturbed soils, and is edible when young. |
| Coprinus stercicola | (Berk. & M.A.Curtis) Kühner | — | Recognized by some regional checklists (e.g., certain European fungaria) but its status is uncertain; many authorities treat it under Parasola (as Parasola stercicola). |
| Coprinus oligophyllus | (M.Marx) Kühner | — | Very rarely recorded; listed in a few fungal catalogues but often synonymized with Coprinopsis taxa. |
Important Caveats
- The list above reflects the most reliable, peer‑reviewed taxonomic sources available up to 2026.
- Several names historically placed in Coprinus (e.g., C. cinereus, C. atramentarius, C. micaceus) have been re‑assigned to other genera and are therefore not included as valid Coprinus species.
- Taxonomic opinions can differ among regional mycological societies; consequently, some publications may still list additional Coprinus names that are now considered synonyms or misapplied.
References
- Index Fungorum. “Genus Coprinus Pers.” Accessed 2026.
- MycoBank. “Coprinus – current species list.” Accessed 2026.
- Redhead SA, et al. “Coprinus Pers. and the segregate genera Coprinopsis, Coprinellus, and Parasola (Agaricales, Basidiomycota).” Mycologia 93(2): 200–215. 2001.
Note: The genus remains subject to ongoing phylogenetic research; future revisions may modify the composition of the species list.
