The life cycle of Cyathus striatus is remarkable and elaborate. It begins with an undeveloped nest that is covered by a brown membrane known as an epiphragm. Mechanical or microbial degradation is used to break down this membrane and open the splash cup. Raindrops have the potential to splash the eggs (peridioles) a distance from the nest. The peridioles contain the basidiospores that will eventually land on a suitable substrate. Then, the peridiole will use its funiculus, a thin cord, to attach itself to the

substrate. This procedure is possible because of the hapteron, a small "weight" attached to the funiculus. When the whole process is complete, the peridiole will be attached to a brand new substrate in which it can invade. Once the fruiting body develops it will be attached to its woody substrate by a brown pad of mycelium (Volk, March 12, 2007).
          As far as reproduction, Cyathus striatus require the assistance of raindrops to splash the peridioles to new areas for fruiting bodies to develop. Otherwise, the fungi does not require any special conditions to reproduce. However, an interesting fact about all fungi is they lack an embryonic stage and develop directly from spores. Also, cilia and flagella are never found in any stage of fungal life cycles (Volk, March 12, 2007).