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 phalloides
Death Cap
(Vaill. ex Fr.) Link
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A notorious and deadly basidiomycete fungus characterized by a large, fleshy fruiting body. The cap ranges from 5 to 15 cm in diameter, initially hemispherical but flattening with age, showcasing a distinct pale green, yellowish-green, or olive-green coloration, often tracked with innate fibrils. The gills are crowded, broad, and permanently white. The stem is white, often patterned with pale greenish scales, featuring a delicate, skirt-like ring (annulus) near the top and emerging from a prominent, bag-like white cup (volva) buried at the base.
Added by
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).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.(Vaill. ex Fr.) Link
Record Completeness
85%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.
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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.
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
Primarily native to Europe, where it forms symbiotic relationships with broadleaf trees, particularly oak, beech, chestnut, and hazel. It has been introduced accidentally via soil and root stock to North America, Australia, New Zealand, and South America, where it now associates with introduced oaks and sometimes native conifers. It thrives in well-drained, rich soils of temperate forests during late summer and 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
Acts as an obligate ectomycorrhizal partner that remains active underground through its subterranean mycelial web for decades. It channels vital minerals to its host tree in exchange for photosynthetic sugars. Fruiting bodies pop up overnight under specific autumn rainfall and temperature triggers.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
5.0 - 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
Produces high concentrations of amatoxins (principally alpha-amanitin) and phallotoxins. These thermostable cyclic peptides are completely unaffected by cooking, freezing, or drying, and act as a powerful chemical deterrent against generalist fungivores.
Possesses a highly efficient ectomycorrhizal mycelium that envelops the root tips of host trees, allowing the fungus to rapidly absorb carbohydrates from the tree while maximizing its own uptake of water and phosphorus from the surrounding soil matrix.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
No major extinction threats exist. However, the clearance of old-growth oak and beech woodlands or heavy soil compaction due to intensive forestry and urban sprawl can restrict the distribution of local mycelial networks.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Ingestion of a single specimen can easily be fatal for an adult human. The toxins cause irreversible liver and kidney damage, historically suspected of causing the deaths of Roman Emperor Claudius and Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI.
The poisoning characteristically features a 'latent period' of 6 to 24 hours where the victim feels completely fine, during which time the internal organs are already being silently destroyed, making early diagnosis critical.