Michael Davis
Lepiota is a genus of fungi that has a cosmopolitan distribution, meaning it can be found all over the world. However, as they prefer warm areas, there are fewer species of Lepiota in colder climates. They typically occur in rich humus in broadleaf or conifer woodland, and in northern Europe, they are often found among nettles or dog's mercury. Several species of Lepiota are known to be highly toxic and have caused fatalities, so it is important to avoid consuming any mushrooms from this genus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Habitat | On soil, usually in woods, in grassy areas such as fields, parks and gardens |
| Geographic Distribution | Cosmopolitan, but with a preference for warm areas, meaning fewer species in colder climates. Found in Europe, Asia, North America, New Zealand, and the Pacific Northwest |
| Soil Preference | Nitrophilic with a preference for calcareous soils |
| Size | Small to large (up to 15 cm or more across) |
| Colour | Orange-brown, reddish-brown, pale brown, brown, pinkish-brown, white, green, red, clay brown |
| Features | Scaly caps, concentric scales, gills, rings, spores, free gills, attached gills, granular scales, volva |
| Toxicity | Some species contain amatoxins and are lethally poisonous, e.g. L. brunneoincarnata, L. brunneolilacea, L. castanea, L. helveola, L. subincarnata, L. josserandii |
| Edibility | No Lepiota species is recommended as edible |
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What You'll Learn
- Lepiota brunneoincarnata, the deadly dapperling
- Habitat: soil, woods, grassland, dunes, and urban areas
- Distribution: Cosmopolitan, but fewer species in colder climates
- Toxicity: Amatoxins and amanitins in some species cause poisoning and fatalities
- Identification: Scaly caps, gills, and coloured spores
Lepiota brunneoincarnata, the deadly dapperling
The deadly dapperling is characterised by its brownish-pink cap, which gives it its scientific name. The cap is brown and scaled, measuring up to 4 cm wide, with a pinkish-brown stem and white gills. This mushroom is highly toxic, containing deadly amounts of alpha-amanitin. Ingesting just 100 g of Lepiota brunneoincarnata can result in severe liver damage, with symptoms including nausea and vomiting around ten hours after consumption.
Lepiota brunneoincarnata is a rare find in Britain and Ireland but occurs in mainland Europe, including Germany, and in temperate parts of western Asia. In Asia, it has been recorded in Turkey, Israel, Pakistan, Iran, and eastern China. Its presence in these diverse locations underscores the importance of accurate identification to avoid accidental poisoning.
The deadly dapperling closely resembles other edible mushrooms, such as the fairy ring champignon (Marasmius oreades) and the grey knight (Tricholoma terreum). This similarity has led to unfortunate incidents of poisoning, as people may inadvertently consume the toxic Lepiota brunneoincarnata, mistaking it for these safe, edible alternatives. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and properly identify mushrooms before consumption to avoid serious health risks.
Lepiota brunneoincarnata is a stark reminder that not all mushrooms are safe for human consumption. Its toxic nature and resemblance to edible varieties underscore the importance of accurate identification and the need to approach unfamiliar mushrooms with caution. It is always advisable to seek expert guidance or refer to reliable sources when in doubt about the edibility of any mushroom.
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Habitat: soil, woods, grassland, dunes, and urban areas
Lepiota mushrooms are typically found in soil, woods, grassland, dunes, and urban areas. They have a preference for calcareous soils and are often found in rich humus in broadleaf or conifer woodland. In northern Europe, they are commonly found among nettles or dog's mercury.
Some species of Lepiota are more frequently found in calcareous grassland or in dunes. They are generally more common in warmer areas, meaning there are fewer species in colder climates.
In the Pacific Northwest, Lepiota mushrooms are found in woods and along rivers near alder flats. They are also known to grow in urban areas, such as roadsides, as well as in grassy areas like fields, parks, and gardens.
The L. cristata group, for example, is typically found in urban environments and has a distinctive orange-brown eye with concentric scales and a strong, odd scent. The L. castanea group, on the other hand, is often found in the wild under Redwood, Monterey Cypress, and Live Oak trees, and can have a reddish-brown colour.
The largest Lepiota mushrooms, such as Chlorophyllum and Macrolepiota, can reach sizes of 15 cm or more. These are typically found in shaggy parasols with scaly caps.
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Distribution: Cosmopolitan, but fewer species in colder climates
The Lepiota genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, but with a preference for warmer areas. This means that there are fewer Lepiota species in colder climates. Around 400 species of Lepiota are currently recognised worldwide. They typically occur in rich humus in broadleaf or conifer woodland, and in northern Europe, they are often found among nettles (Urtica dioica) or dog's mercury (Mercurialis perennis). A few species are more frequently found in calcareous grassland or in dunes.
Lepiota mushrooms are often found on soil in woods, and some species are known to be widely distributed in Europe and temperate regions of Asia as far east as China. For example, the Lepiota brunneoincarnata, also known as the deadly dapperling, grows in grassy areas such as fields, parks, and gardens. It is often mistaken for edible mushrooms, which has resulted in several fatalities.
Lepiota cristatella Peck, L. hemispherica Murrill, and Cystolepiota sistrata (Fries sensu Huijsman) Singer are three species of Lepiota that may be synonymous with Cystolepiota seminuda. They are found along rivers near alder flats and have a biting taste. The small, powdery Cystolepiota species of the Northwest are not well-documented.
Modern taxonomy places all Lepiota species in the Agaricaceae family, which includes genera with dark spores. However, to avoid confusion for those with limited mycological experience, the more traditional family name, Lepiotaceae, is sometimes used.
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Toxicity: Amatoxins and amanitins in some species cause poisoning and fatalities
The toxicity of Lepiota mushrooms is a serious issue, with several species containing amatoxins and amanitins that can cause severe poisoning and even fatalities if consumed. Amatoxins are found in certain fungi within the unrelated genera Amanita, Galerina, Lepiota, and Conocybe. The presence of these toxins in Lepiota mushrooms highlights the dangers associated with consuming wild mushrooms.
One of the well-known toxic Lepiota species is Lepiota brunneoincarnata, commonly known as the deadly dapperling. This mushroom, found in Europe and temperate regions of Asia, has a brown-scaled cap and resembles edible mushrooms like the grey knight (Tricholoma terreum) and fairy ring champignon (Marasmius oreades). Its toxicity has led to several recorded fatalities, including deaths in Spain, Tunisia, and Iran. The symptoms of poisoning include gastrointestinal issues, nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.
Other toxic Lepiota species include L. castanea, L. helveola, L. subincarnata, and L. josserandii. These mushrooms contain hepatotoxic cyclopeptides, which are known to cause severe health issues. Worldwide, most fatalities from mushroom poisoning are caused by exposure to cyclopeptides, with Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the death cap or death angel, being the most toxic and frequently resulting in human deaths.
It is crucial to exercise extreme caution when identifying and consuming wild mushrooms. While some species may be edible, others can be deadly. Even experienced mushroom foragers can struggle to distinguish between similar-looking species, and incorrect identification can have fatal consequences. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid consuming Lepiota mushrooms due to their potential toxicity.
Additionally, it is worth noting that Amanita poisoning can also occur due to confusion with the genus Psilocybe, commonly known as "magic mushrooms," which have psychogenic effects. Amanita mushrooms, including the death cap and destroying angel species, are highly toxic and can cause simultaneous intoxication in multiple individuals who have consumed them. This further emphasizes the importance of accurate identification and the avoidance of consuming wild mushrooms unless one is absolutely certain of their edibility.
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Identification: Scaly caps, gills, and coloured spores
The name "Lepiota" is derived from the Greek word "lepys," meaning "scale," and "ous," meaning "ear." Most Lepiota species have small caps (less than 10 cm or 4 inches in diameter) with slender stems. The cap cuticle (surface skin) typically splits as the cap expands, forming concentric rings of scales towards the margin. This characteristic of concentric rings of scales towards the margin of the cap is a key identification feature of Lepiota mushrooms.
Underneath the cap, the gills of Lepiota mushrooms are typically white to cream in colour, rarely yellow. These gills are free, meaning they are not attached to the stem, and they are covered by a partial veil when the mushroom is young. As the mushroom matures, this partial veil ruptures, leaving a cuff-like ring, sometimes ephemeral, with additional scaly remains on the stem. This veil and its remnants can be useful in identifying Lepiota mushrooms.
The gills produce spores that create a white to cream spore print. These spores are usually dextrinoid, meaning they turn red-brown when treated with an iodine-based reagent. However, this dextrinoid characteristic is not always present in all Lepiota species. It's important to note that proper identification of coloured spores may require specialised reagents and techniques.
Lepiota mushrooms are typically found in rich humus in broadleaf or conifer woodlands, particularly in northern Europe, where they are often associated with nettles (Urtica dioica) or dog's mercury (Mercurialis perennis). Some species are also found in calcareous grasslands or dunes. They exhibit a preference for calcareous soils and warm areas, resulting in fewer species in colder climates.
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Frequently asked questions
Lepiota mushrooms are found in grassy areas such as fields, parks, and gardens. They typically occur in rich humus in broadleaf or conifer woodland. They are also found in the Pacific Northwest, in southern regions, and in temperate regions of Asia.
Lepiota mushrooms have a brown scaled cap, a pinkish-brown stem, and white gills. Some species have erect scales on the cap and stem, while others have sharp scales on the stem and warm brown or very dark brown eyes and scales.
Yes, there are around 400 recognized Lepiota species worldwide. Some common species include L. castanea, L. 'pilodes', L. 'felina', L. magnispora, and L. ventrispora.
No, no Lepiota species is recommended as edible. Several species contain amatoxins and are lethally poisonous if consumed, including L. brunneoincarnata, L. brunneolilacea, L. castanea, and L. helveola.
Lepiota mushrooms can be identified by their scaly caps and gills. They may also have sharp or erect scales on the stem and cap, and some species have a distinct, dark eye. However, other genera of mushrooms may have similar features, so it is important to use a microscope to accurately identify them.
