Gliophorus species belong to a group known as waxcaps in English, sometimes also waxy caps in North America or waxgills in New Zealand.

In Europe, Gliophorus species are typical of waxcap grasslands, a declining habitat due to changing agricultural practices.

[4][5][6][7] Species are distinguished from most other waxcaps by producing basidiocarps (fruit bodies) with extremely slimy or glutinous caps and stems.

In Europe, Gliophorus species are typically found in agriculturally unimproved, short-sward grasslands (including pastures and lawns).

The genus is cosmopolitan, though New Zealand has an unusually large number of native Gliophorus species.