Oh, I think you are correct. I originally looked in the Colorado/Southern Rockies book (Evenson) and the photo wasn't much of a match (color was off). But in North American Mushrooms (Miller/Miller), the color is right on. Darn it, it says edible and they're were hundreds of these. Next year.
I'm always surprised by the variable appearance of this mushroom: I have found it looking rather mica-particle-sparkly, but more often this distinct dry orangy cap colour. Anyone know why this is, is it weather conditions perhaps? I'm surprised to hear it is listed as edible, but if so I would keep in mind the caution about the antabuse-type symptoms of eating inkycaps if you drink alcohol. cheers, frog
They are edible but don't taste good. If you're in or near CO, you may very well have C. truncorum rather than C. micaceous.
I've often eaten Mica Caps here in BC and found them very tasty. Like some other Coprinus species micaceous does not contain the compound which reacts badly with alcohol, but I'm always cautious anyways. As with other mushroom species, before eating a coprinus it is important to know which variety you have.
