Costa Rica Species
Amanita muscaria
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 muscaria

Fly Agaric

(L.) Lam., 1783

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Spectacular fungus with a cap that can reach 20 cm, bright red to scarlet in color, covered with white warts (remnants of the universal veil). The stalk is white, robust, with a wide ring and a bulbous base surrounded by rings of scales.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.

Falsa oronjaAmanita rojaFly amanitaMagic mushroom

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.(L.) Lam., 1783
Record Completeness
93%
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.

Wet Season

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

Found in temperate and boreal forests throughout the Northern Hemisphere, although it has been introduced to the Southern Hemisphere. It forms mycorrhizae with various tree species, especially pines, birches, and firs.

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 mycorrhizal fungus essential for the health of the trees it associates with, exchanging nutrients for carbohydrates. It contains neurotoxic compounds such as ibotenic acid and muscimol, which affect the central nervous system.

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

Production of toxic alkaloids that deter most herbivores from consuming the fruiting body.
Universal veil that protects the developing gills before cap expansion.

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

Climate change altering the synchronization with host trees.
Soil compaction due to mass tourism in protected forest areas.

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

The name 'fly agaric' comes from the old custom of putting pieces of the mushroom in milk to attract and kill flies due to its toxicity.
It is believed that the modern image of Santa Claus (red and white) and his flying reindeer is influenced by Siberian shamanic rituals involving this fungus.

External ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.