And more help please…

[Deborah]

Am on a bit of a roll today! I have been trying for a while to be confident in my identifications of Amanita rubescens versus Amanita pantherina. I always think I know the difference but today I found what I believe are an example of each growing about 10 metres apart. Took that as an opportunity to do a compare and contrast.

The fungus on the left I think is Amanita pantherina. The ring is definitely smooth and not grooved. The one on the right I am pretty sure is rubescens. The ring is strongly grooved. What is confusing me slightly is the slenderness of the stem in the left -hand specimen? Any help appreciated. For clarity, neither of my two posts today have any interest with regards to edibility.

Thanks.

[Lancashire Lad]

I’d say you are correct with your ID’s.

A.pantherina can have stipes of varying thickness, but your example is well within the expected range.

General macro characteristics worth noting between the two species are that A.pantherina has an obvious angular “gutter” at the point where the swollen base meets the straight part of the stem.

Whereas with A.rubescens, the swollen base just tapers away to blend in seemlessly with the stem.

Also, on A.rubescens, the stem will always turn pink when the flesh is bruised or otherwise damaged.

Regards,

Mike.

[Deborah]

Thank you. I’d noticed that difference between the two bases but wasn’t aware it was significant. Good to know.

[Author]

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