Costa Rica Species
Laetiporus sulphureus
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

Laetiporus sulphureus

Chicken of the Woods

(Bull.) Murrill, 1920

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Polypore fungus growing in overlapping shelves, characterized by vibrant bright orange colors on top and sulphur yellow on the edge and porous underside. Its flesh is tender and succulent when young, becoming tough and cork-like with age.

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.

Pollo de los bosquesEstante de azufreSulphur shelfSulphur polypore

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).Polyporales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Laetiporaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Laetiporus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Bull.) Murrill, 1920
Record Completeness
84%
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

Widely distributed across Europe and North America. It grows on living or dead trunks of hardwood trees (such as oaks, chestnuts, and willows), causing a brown heart rot.

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 facultative pathogen and saprotroph. As a parasite, it weakens the host tree from within, but continues to feed on dead wood long after the tree has fallen.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

10.0 - 60.0 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

Shelf-like growth (imbricate) that maximizes spore production in a limited vertical space.
Bright colors that may warn herbivores of protective chemical compounds (although edible for humans).

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

Loss of old and large trees in intensively managed forests.
Air pollution that can affect mycorrhizae and the general health of the fungal ecosystem.

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

It is a very popular edible fungus, but it must be well cooked; some people experience allergic reactions if eaten raw or if it grows on certain trees like yew.
The name 'Chicken of the Woods' is due to the fact that, when cooked, its texture and flavor are almost identical to chicken breast.

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