Splachnum ampullaceum Cruet Collar-moss

An autoicous, acrocarpous moss which grows on decaying dung particularly in damp or wet habitats on heathland, moorland and marshy pastures. The capsules have a markedly swollen, pale-coloured neck which, together with the specialised habitat, makes this species unmistakable. The leaves are usually strongly toothed, which will help to separate this species from Splachnum sphaericum if capsules are not present. Like other dung mosses, spore dispersal in Splachnum is aided by insects that carry the spores away to other areas where there is herbivore dung. Unfortulately, the widespread use of ivermectin has resulted in a significant decline in dung flies and this, coupled with loss of suitable wet pasture, has probably been a factor in the decline in some dung mosses in Britain. It is a Brreal-montane species which has a scattered western and northern distribution in Britain, including Wales. It is uncommon in West Glamorgan in general but occasional in marshy pastures that are grazed by cattle. Sporophyte capsules are common in summer.