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Destroying angel

Amanita bisporigera

A species of Amanita mushrooms, Also known as Eastern north american destroying angel

The name says it all. The destroying angel is a beautiful but deadly poisonous mushroom famous for its toxicity - even ingesting a pea-sized amount can cause kidney failure, liver failure, and death. This species is one of those most responsible for mushroom-related fatalities. An untrained eye may mistake it for many commonly edible species, including button mushrooms.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 11 cm

Odor:

Initially mild, becomes foul with age.

General Info About Destroying angel

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Attributes of Destroying angel

Cap Diameter

3 - 11 cm

Height

6 - 15 cm

Cap

2.5 - 10 cm; oval; stark white to ivory; bald, dry

Cap Shape

Convex, Bell-shaped, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Free; close or crowded; white

Gill Attachment

Free

Stem

6 - 14 cm long, 5 - 20 mm thick; tapering somewhat to apex; white

Stem Shapes

With Cup

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Flesh

White throughout

Volva

Sacklike; white

Ring

High; skirtlike; persistent, thin

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Initially mild, becomes foul with age.

Body Color

Yellow

White

Pink

Cream

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Destroying angel by these plants:

Pitch pine

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Common in eastern North America.

Endangered Species

How to Identify Destroying angel

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Destroying angel

Destroying angel mushrooms are found both in artificial landscapes and in forests, primarily under oak trees, but occasionally with other hardwoods. They exist in a symbiotic relationship with a tree’s roots.

Scientific Classification of Destroying angel

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Amanita

Genus

Amanita mushrooms

Toxicity and Edibility of Destroying angel

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Is Destroying angel Toxic?

Destroying angel typically found in mixed woodlands in summer to early fall is highly toxic. Human ingestion can lead to early symptoms of abdominal cramps, nausea, and dizziness, while later stages may cause severe health issues such as liver damage and heart failure. Its distinguishing features include a white cap and stalk along with the presence of a volva at the base.

Toxins type

Amatoxins, Phallotoxins, Virotoxins

Type of poisoning

Hepatotoxic

Toxic Severity

Extreme toxicity

Incubation Period

4-24 hours

Poisoning Symptoms

Early symptoms: abdominal cramps, nausea, weakness, vomiting, and dizziness, with potential for circulatory failure.

Later stages: calf and abdominal cramps, hepatitis, heart failure, bloody diarrhea, and liver damage.

Is Destroying angel Toxic to Dogs?

Destroying angel is dangerously poisonous to dogs due to the presence of amatoxins and immediate medical attention should be sought if consumed. Symptoms start around six hours after ingestion and begin as vomiting and diarrhea. However, this mushroom genus is one of the main causes of mushroom-related dog fatalities through organ failure, which can occur only a few days after eating the mushroom. It appears that the fishy odor of amanita mushrooms attracts dogs, increasing the risk of ingestion.

Similar Species to Destroying angel

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Tips for Finding Destroying angel

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Destroying angel

Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

What are Some Tips for Finding Destroying angel

Search in shaded woodland areas, especially near oak trees or other hardwoods.
Look for destroying angel in places with moist, organically rich soil.
Inspect the base of trees, as destroying angel often emerges in these locations.
Be gentle when moving leaf litter in search of destroying angel, preserving their habitat.