The Psathyrellaceae are a family of fragile, dark‑spored agarics that include most of the former “inky caps” (Coprinellus, Coprinopsis, Parasola) along with psathyrelloid genera such as Psathyrella and Candolleomyces. Fruitbodies are typically thin‑fleshed, brittle, and short‑lived, with dark brown to black spore prints. Caps are often conical to bell‑shaped, frequently striated, sometimes with mica‑like granules or delicate scales. Many species show partial deliquescence, especially in Coprinellus and Coprinopsis, though Parasola lacks this trait. Ecologically, members are saprobic, common on soil, wood, dung, compost, lawns, gardens, and disturbed ground, often appearing after rain and sometimes in large troops. Microscopic characters — especially cystidia, veil structure, and spore ornamentation — are essential for identification.