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
Mutinus elegans
Elegant Stinkhorn / Dog Stinkhorn
(Mont.) E.Fisch., 1888
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Mutinus elegans is a striking saprophytic fungus known for its cylindrical, pointed shape that emerges from a semi-buried white 'egg'. The fruiting body is a hollow, spongy, flexible stalk of an intense reddish-orange or pink color that fades toward the base. Unlike the Phallus genus, Mutinus does not have a separate head or cap; instead, the upper part of the stalk is where the gleba is deposited—a dark olive-green slimy mass containing the spores. This gleba emits a foul odor of decaying organic matter that attracts flies and other insects. It is a fast-growing fungus with an ephemeral life, frequently appearing on wood mulch or organic-rich soils after rainy periods.
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Anonymous Curator
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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).Phallales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Phallaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Mutinus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Mont.) E.Fisch., 1888
Record Completeness
91%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.
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EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.
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Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.
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Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.
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Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
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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
It inhabits humus-rich soils, gardens, parks with wood mulch, and mixed forests. It prefers high humidity and warm temperatures. It is common in urban and suburban areas where wood chips have been deposited. In Costa Rica, it commonly appears during the rainy season in gardens and forest areas of low and middle elevations.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
It is a key decomposer that helps transform dead wood and plant remains into soil nutrients. Its appearance is ephemeral, generally lasting less than 48 hours.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 18.0 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
Foul Odor for Dispersal: The gleba produces volatile compounds that mimic carrion, attracting flies that carry spores on their legs, allowing dispersal in environments where wind is ineffective.
Rapid Hatching: The structure can fully expand in a few hours, minimizing exposure to adverse environmental conditions before releasing spores.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Fungicide use: In urban areas, it is often removed due to its appearance and odor, and the use of garden chemicals reduces its presence.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Devil's Egg: Before emerging, the fungus resembles a small rubbery egg. In this immature state, it is technically edible, although rarely consumed due to its later association with the foul odor.