Costa Rica Species
Amanita caesarea
FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Amanita caesarea

Caesar's Mushroom

(Scotty ex Fr.) Quélet

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
An outstanding, highly esteemed edible fungus with a distinct orange to reddish-orange cap that is smooth and ranges from 8 to 20 cm in diameter. It starts as a white, egg-shaped structure (volva) which ruptures to reveal the colorful cap. The gills and stem are a striking golden yellow, and the stem features a prominent hanging yellow ring.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Basidiomycota
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Agaricomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Agaricales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Amanitaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Amanita
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Scotty ex Fr.) Quélet
Record Completeness
62%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Stable

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

Decomposer

EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.

--

Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.

--

Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.

--

Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Autumn

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Native to southern Europe and North Africa, thriving in warm, sun-exposed temperate forests. It establishes symbiotic relationships with oak, chestnut, and occasionally pine trees, preferring acidic and well-drained soils during late summer and early autumn.

SubstrateThe organic material or host organism this fungus colonizes and decomposes. Multi-lang

Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

An essential ectomycorrhizal macrofungus that integrates into forest systems by exchanging essential soil water and phosphorus for complex carbohydrates from the root cells of host trees.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

8.0 - 20.0 cm

Hymenium StructuresMacro photographs of the spore-bearing surfaces used for mushroom identification.

No hymenium surface images available.

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Features a robust and thick universal veil (volva) that protects the developing primordium underground from desiccation and mechanical damage until microclimatic triggers induce emergence.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Over-harvesting in its egg stage (before spore dispersal) and intensive habitat alteration due to climate-driven droughts can negatively affect local spore reproduction and distribution.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

It was considered a delicacy by the rulers of the Roman Empire. Its scientific and common names directly honor the Roman Caesars, who restricted its consumption exclusively for the nobility.
Unlike most Amanita species, which have white gills and stems, Amanita caesarea stands out due to its completely yellow gills, ring, and stalk, acting as a crucial identifier.