ᐈ Appearance of panther amanita: how to distinguish it from gray-pink? 🍄 House of Mushrooms

Introduction

How to distinguish panther fly agaric from gray-pink? This question can concern both novice mushroom pickers and experienced mycologists. Both mushrooms may seem similar at first glance, especially when it comes to the initial stage of growth. However, they have different characteristics that will help you distinguish them from each other.

1. View of panther fly agaric

Amanita pantherina (lat. Amanita pantherina) is a rather large mushroom, which has a cap diameter of 5 to 12 centimeters. The cap has a cylindrical shape in the initial stage of growth, and later expands and acquires a flat shape. It usually has a white or pale cream base with evenly distributed striped black spots. Often you can also see the remains of a fibrous ear on the edge of the cap.

In the same way, the panther amanita has a characteristic white ring-shaped corolla, which appears under the cap and partially covers the leg of the mushroom. This corolla plays an important role in species identification.

Characteristics of panther amanita:

A large hat with white stripes
White or pale cream base
White ring corolla

Note: Some individuals of the panther amanita may have a cap with more prominent black spots resembling a panther pattern. However, there are also variations in which the spots are less visible. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to other signs for accurate identification of the mushroom.

Variations of panther amanita

It is worth noting that panther amanita can appear in different variations, especially depending on the place of its growth. One of these variations is the panther fly agaric with a yellow cap (Amanita pantherina var. lactea), in which the cap has a pale yellowish tint instead of white. This species is also noteworthy, as it has a similar shape and features to the traditional panther fly agaric.

2. Appearance of a gray-pink fly agaric

Gray-pink (lat. Amanita rubescens) is another species of amanita that can be seen in forests. This mushroom also has a large cap that can reach 10-15 centimeters in diameter. The cap has an interesting color that fades from light gray to pink when touched or damaged. Therefore, if you recognize a mushroom that changes color when you touch it, it is probably a gray-pink amanita mushroom.

Unlike the panther fly agaric, the grey-pink fly agaric has a cap with fine white fibers that form both a shiny and matte surface. You can also see a white ring on the cap.

Characteristics of gray-pink amanita:

A gray-pink cap that fades from light gray to pink
Ring on the cap
Small white fibers on the cap

Similarity to other mushrooms

Gray-pink amanita may look similar to other species of amanita, such as spotted amanita (Amanita pantherina). These mushrooms have common features such as a large cap and the presence of a ring on the cap. However, the spotted fly agaric has conspicuous black spots on its white or pale cream cap, which help distinguish it from the grey-pink fly agaric.

3. Risk of poisoning

The panther fly agaric is poisonous. It contains poisonous substances such as amanitins, which can cause serious poisoning. Although poisoning by these mushrooms is rarely fatal, they can be dangerous and cause unpleasant symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, it is important to avoid consuming these mushrooms.

4. Interesting fact: The tinplate is varnished

Now that we have figured out the main features of the panther amanita and gray-pink amanita, I want to introduce you to another interesting type of mushroom - lacquered tin.

Lacquered tinder or rotten varnish (lat. Ganoderma applanatum) is a widespread forest mushroom that has a very impressive appearance. It grows on trees and has a rough cap that can reach a diameter of up to 40 centimeters. The cap of this mushroom has a folded structure and different colors - from light brown to dark brown.

Lacquered tin is famous for its healing properties and rather interesting appearance, which attracts the attention of mushroom pickers and doctors. It is used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for various purposes. It is also widely used in food imitation for the preparation of aromatic mushroom tea.

You can learn more about lacquered tinder, its medicinal properties and methods of use in the article Lacquered tin: useful properties and applications.

Conclusion

Panther amanita and gray-pink amanita may look similar at first glance, but they have some differences. Panther fly agaric has a cap with a white or pale cream base with black stripes, and a white ringed corolla. On the other hand, the gray-pink toadstool has a gray-pink cap, ring, and fine white fibers.

Because panther amanitas are poisonous, we do not recommend consuming them. Always be careful and never pick or eat mushrooms you don't know. Remember that safety always comes first!

Let's also recall the lacquered, interesting mushroom, which differs from both toadstools in its bright appearance and medicinal properties.

We wish you success in mushroom hunting!

Panther fly agaric: how to recognize it among gray-pink ones? Our tips and instructions

Introduction