wet rot

The mycelium of C. puteana is not always present and often leaves a very thin layer of healthy wood making the fungus very difficult to detect before the structure becomes instable. Contrary to most brown rot fungi C. puteana behaves more like a white-rot fungi in the way it decays, such as the thinning of the cell walls and leaving cavities within the substrate. Unlike other common wet rot fungi, C. puteana is a fungus that requires high humidity averaging around 50-60%. Because of this C. puteana can be found in wood near water leakage or naturally humid areas not limiting it to the common areas such as cellars.

Coniophora puteana has a very widespread distribution being found on most continents including North America, South America, Europe, India, Africa, Australia, and Asia. C. puteana is most predominantly found in eastern North America as well as western Europe. C. puteana is most commonly found during autumn in the month of October.