Costa Rica Species
Aseroe rubra
FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Aseroe rubra

Star Stinkhorn

Labill., 1800

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A bizarre and unmistakable saprophytic stinkhorn fungus. It emerges from a whitish, egg-like base into a hollow, yellowish-white stalk that expands into a brilliant red, star-like structure with 6 to 10 bifurcated arms resembling a sea anemone. The center of the star is covered in a dark brown, foul-smelling, slimy spore mass (gleba).

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).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.Aseroe
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Labill., 1800
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.

Herbivore

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.

Year Round

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

Naturally found on decomposing wood chips, garden mulch, alpine grasslands, and organic forest litter. Native to Australia and New Zealand, but widely introduced and naturalized in various tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

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

A highly specialized terrestrial saprophyte. Its life cycle progresses hidden as underground hyphae, but under warm rain events, it undergoes rapid cellular inflation, popping out as an egg and fully opening within hours, only to dissolve into mush after 1 or 2 days.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

5.0 - 10.0 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 a powerful putrid odor mimicking decaying flesh, which acts as a highly specialized chemical lure to attract dung flies and carrion beetles over long distances.
The bright red color matrix serves as a visual beacon for insects, ensuring rapid discovery of the spore mass before the fleeting fruiting body collapses.

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

Urban sanitization and aggressive clearing of organic mulches or wood debris in public gardens reduce the availability of the rich cellulose substrates required for its development.

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

This species was the very first Australian fungus to be formally described and named scientifically, collected near Tasmania in 1792 by the French naturalist Jacques Labillardière.