This is the mother key from the monograph Agaricus which splits iodosmus (lead 11a) from xanthodermus (lead 11b). I thought the ring is patent without cogwheel radiations. I might be wrong but for learning purposes it would be nice to discuss.
11a.- Annulus patent (rigid, not pliable), close to the stipe, with margin exhibiting three rims, with- out scales arranged into a cogwheel on the underside. Cheilocystidia either with cylindrical to clavate terminal element (simple or multiseptate) or very polymorphous (simple, with a basal septum or catenulate).
11b.- Annulus pendent (hanging and pliable), separate from the stipe, broken up on the underside into a cogwheel of radial scales, only exceptionally appearing appressed to the stipe and unbro- ken, but in this case the margin is thick and does not show three rims. Cheilocystidia typically simple, usually shortly pedunculate, globose, ovoid or pyriform, occasionally catenulate, non- multiseptate.
