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Death angel

Amanita virosa

A species of Amanita mushrooms, Also known as Destroying angel

The death angel is one of the most deadly poisonous mushrooms in the world. Although its white fruitbodies have some unique traits in their appearance, non-expert mushroom hunters could easily confuse these toxic mushrooms with many edible species, such as Agaricus and Tricholoma. All foragers should learn to identify this species carefully in all its forms.

Cap Diameter:

4 - 11 cm

Odor:

Faint, somewhat unpleasant, not strongly distinctive.

General Info About Death angel

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Attributes of Death angel

Cap Diameter

4 - 11 cm

Height

10 - 20 cm

Cap

12 cm; conical to hemispherical and flattening; white, ; smooth, sticky when wet; with inturned edges

Cap Shape

Convex, Bell-shaped, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Free; crowded; white

Gill Attachment

Free

Stem

Stem up to 15 cm tall; thin; white

Stem Shapes

With Cup

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Flesh

Pure white; turn bright yellow when alkali is placed on it

Volva

White

Ring

Hanging; grooved; white

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Faint, somewhat unpleasant, not strongly distinctive.

Body Color

White

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 Death angel by these plants:

Spruces, European beech

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Uncommon in northern Scotland, very common in Scandinavian

Endangered Species

How to Identify Death angel

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Death angel

The death angel prefers higher altitudes and mountain regions. It is found in woods, open forests, and woodland clearings and edges. It is mostly associated with deciduous trees, particularly beech. It grows on the ground, where it forms a symbiotic relationship with the roots of trees.

Distribution Area of Death angel

North America,Europe,Central America,northern Asia

Scientific Classification of Death angel

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Amanita

Genus

Amanita mushrooms

Toxicity and Edibility of Death angel

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Is Death angel Toxic?

Typically found in moist habitats during summer and early fall, death angel embodies significant danger due to its hepatotoxic properties. This mushroom can initiate symptoms including abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting, escalating to severe conditions such as hepatitis and heart failure. Morphologically, it's often confused with non-toxic varieties, thereby warranting strict identification measures.

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 Death angel Toxic to Dogs?

Death angel is a toxic member of the highly poisonous Amanita family of mushrooms which are responsible for most canine fatalities. If you believe that your dog has eaten this mushroom species then seek immediate veterinary assistance. The toxic compound α-amanitin causes liver and kidney failure. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, weakness, and seizures. These symptoms may take several hours to appear so it is vital to seek medical assistance before they occur.

Similar Species to Death angel

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Tips for Finding Death angel

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Death angel

Moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter.

What are Some Tips for Finding Death angel

Look for death angel at the periphery of woodlands, especially where there is a mix of tree species.
Search in areas of higher elevation within the woodland for a better chance of finding death angel.
Inspect the base of trees and open glades within forests that are rich in deciduous trees.
Check for consistently moist soil that appears well-drained and rich in decomposed organic materials.