 Sarcoscypha occidentalis is frequently confused with S. coccinea , but is distinguished macroscopically from this species by its smaller fruit bodies , smaller spores , and less hairy exterior . The two also differ in seasonal and geographic distribution : S. coccinea fruits earlier in the year , and is distributed in eastern North America , in the midwest , in the valleys between the Pacific coast and the Sierras and Cascades , as well as Europe , Africa , Australia , and India . Another eastern North American species , S. austriaca , has scarlet fruit bodies up to 6 cm ( 2 @.@ 4 in ) wide , and fruits in the early spring . 
