Content
Pilate's dung beetle is one of the representatives of the large Champignon family. In Latin it sounds like Leucoagaricus pilatianus. Belongs to the category of humus saprotrophs. In some sources it is called Pilate's white champignon. Although there are differences between the genera white dung and white champignons. They relate to the nature of the surfaces of the caps and the external parameters of the fruiting bodies.
Where does Pilate's white dung grow?
Finding a mushroom is quite problematic. It belongs to rare species. Grows in parks, gardens or oak groves. Prefers artificial arrays of horse chestnut. Oak is the favorite tree of the white dung beetle. The species does not occur as single specimens; it grows in small groups. On the territory of the Russian Federation it is found in Crimea and the Rostov region. Although it is considered cosmopolitan, the mushroom is not so easy to find.Fruiting occurs from August to October and only in years with high rainfall.
Under favorable climatic conditions, even rare mushrooms produce a good harvest
What does Pilate's white dung look like?
To create a complete portrait of the fruiting body, it is enough to describe its main parts:
- The cap changes its shape as the mushroom grows. At first it resembles a ball, then it becomes convex-spread or convex. In the middle there is a round tubercle, which differs from the rest of the surface in a darker color. The diameter of the cap varies from 3.5 cm to 9 cm. The color is light brown with a red tint, the middle is slightly darker than the ends. The surface is covered with radial fibers, velvety-felt in structure. The edges of the cap are thin. In young white champignons they are folded, sometimes the remains of the cover are visible on them. The pulp is light, pinkish-brown in places where it breaks. Has a faint cedar wood odor or almost no odor. Taste parameters are unknown.
- The plates are thin, creamy, and when pressed, turn brownish-red.
- The leg is attached strictly in the center of the cap. It expands towards the base and ends in a small tuber. Thickness 0.4-1.8 cm, length 4-12 cm. In young specimens it is uniform, then as the fungus grows it becomes hollow. The color varies along the length, the shades are separated by a ring. Above the ring the leg is white, below the ring it is reddish-brown. The ring also has identical colors - the upper part is white, the lower part is red-brown.
Having studied the main characteristics of the species, you can not be afraid of confusing it with others
Is it possible to eat Pilate's dung beetle?
This type of white champignon is quite rare. Its toxicity has been little studied, and detailed information about the effect on the human body is not available. Because of this, the mushroom is not recommended for consumption. In scientific sources it is classified as inedible. It should be borne in mind that not only should the white dung beetle not be eaten, but it is better not to come into contact with the fruiting bodies at all. If such a specimen comes across on the path of a mushroom picker, you need to avoid it. Also, don't pick it up. This requirement can be explained by the external similarity of the species with other white champignons, some of which are edible. In order not to make a mistake, you need to carefully study the description and not collect unfamiliar mushrooms.
The characteristic coloring of the fruiting body helps not to confuse it with edible species
Conclusion
White dung beetle is a rare mushroom and not recommended for collection. Knowledge of its main external parameters will help to avoid fruiting bodies from falling into the basket of those who like “quiet hunting”.
