When it comes to identify a lobster mushroom-shaped cloud legion , there are a few distinctive feature to look out for . Lobster mushrooms are not really a separate species , but rather a unique phenomenon where a leechlike fungus , Hypomyces lactifluorum , covers and change the show of a host mushroom . This parasitic fungus in the first place targets mushrooms from the Russula or Lactarius genus , and it translate them into the vivacious orange lobster mushrooms that we spot .
One of the most noticeable lineament of a lobster mushroom host is its bright orangish colouring material . The covering create by the lobster mushroom fungus gives the host mushroom a prominent and unmistakable appearance . The coloring material is often vibrant and can graze from a mystifying orange to a more red hue . This vibrant orange semblance stands out in the forest and can make the lobster mushroom legion loose to spot among other mushrooms .
In term of texture , the surface of a lobster mushroom cloud host is rather hard . When you touch it , you will notice that it is not soft like many other mushrooms . or else , it has a firm and somewhat jolty texture . If you probe the open tight , you will also remark that it is dot with tiny zit . These orange mushroom pimples are a characteristic feature of lobster mushrooms and contribute to their unequaled appearing .
One important facet to note is that the lobster mushroom fungus deforms the gills of the legion mushroom cloud . The gills are the thin , rib - like structure that are typically found on the undersurface of mushroom cloud capital . In the eccentric of a lobster mushroom innkeeper , the gill are transformed and do not operate as they normally would . This distortion forbid the host mushroom from grow spores , which are the generative structures of kingdom Fungi . As a consequence , you will not regain any spores on the lobster mushroom host .
To identify a lobster mushroom host , you could also take a look at the inside of the mushroom-shaped cloud . When you turn out the mushroom-shaped cloud loose , you will comment that the flesh is white . This lily-white inside is another distinguishing feature of lobster mushrooms . It cater a direct contrast to the vibrant orange exterior and sum up to the overall visual appeal of these unique fungi .
In my personal experience , I have come across lobster mushrooms while foraging in the woods . The bright Orange River color always get my eye , and I am immediately drawn to investigate further . I find it riveting how the lobster mushroom fungus can altogether transform the appearance of a legion mushroom and create such a spectacular and beautiful organism .
When trying to name a lobster mushroom horde , it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with the characteristic of the Russula and Lactarius mushroom that are normally targeted by the lobster mushroom fungus . These mushrooms often have a distinctive shape , color , and grain , which can make it easier to recognize them when they are covered by the lobster mushroom fungus .
To summarize , identifying a lobster mushroom cloud host ask look for the following characteristic :
1 . lustrous Orange River color : The vibrant orange covering make by the lobster mushroom fungus is a key characteristic of a lobster mushroom host.2 . Hard grain with orange pimples : The surface of the lobster mushroom horde is truehearted and dot with flyspeck pimples , adding to its alone appearance.3 . Deformed gills : The lobster mushroom fungus alters the gills of the host mushroom , preventing spore production.4 . bloodless interior soma : When cut open , the interior of the lobster mushroom host is white .
By keeping these feature in mind and familiarizing yourself with the appearance of Russula and Lactarius mushroom , you will be well equipped to identify a lobster mushroom cloud horde in the wild . Happy mushroom-shaped cloud hunting !
Caroline Bates
