Costa Rica Species
Agaricus bisporus
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

Agaricus bisporus

Portobello Mushroom / Button Mushroom

(J.E. Lange) Imbach

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A highly versatile and widely cultivated agaric fungus. In its immature white form, it is known as the common button mushroom; when allowed to mature fully, it develops a broad, flat, dark-brown cap up to 15 cm wide with firm flesh and exposed dark-brown gills, commercially sold as Portobello.

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).Agaricaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Agaricus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(J.E. Lange) Imbach
Record Completeness
62%
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.

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 occurs globally in grasslands, pastures, and nutrient-rich manured soils. It thrives in decaying organic leaf litter and compost, avoiding dense, undisturbed old-growth forest floors.

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

An active saprotrophic organism that drives forest and grassland nutrient recycling by converting dead organic carbon and complex plant polymers back into bioavailable soil nutrients.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

3.0 - 15.0 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 wide array of specialized extracellular enzymes, such as cellulases and laccases, allowing the mycelium to aggressively break down complex lignocellulose found in dead plant matter.

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

Wild populations face localized habitat loss due to industrial agriculture and heavy chemical fungicide applications in commercial grazing pastures.

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

White button mushrooms, Crimini, and Portobellos are not different species; they are simply different growth stages and color variants of Agaricus bisporus.
The specific epithet 'bisporus' highlights that its microscopic basidia bear exactly two spores instead of the usual four found in most other Agaricus species.