Occurrence of Hebeloma radicosum and H. birrus on badger (Meles meles) latrines in southern Norway

抄録

The agaric fungus Hebeloma radicosum was observed fruiting on a badger nest in Arendal, Norway, in the years 2004-2006, 2020, and 2021. This species is typically associated with mole (Talpa) nests in Europe; however, moles are not present in Norway. Fruiting occurred both just outside the nest and on the tunnel floor at the nest entrance. Observations, supported by literature on badger nesting habits, suggest that excrement (dung and/or urine) deposited either in latrines outside the nest or on the tunnel floor was likely responsible for the occurrence of H. radicosum. There was no evidence to suggest involvement of other mammal species. This is the first documented case of H. radicosum fruiting on badger excrement. The observed pattern resembles long-term mole nesting in Japan, which is associated with repeated occurrences of H. sagarae. Additionally, H. birrus was also found fruiting on badger excrement.