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Eastern American Jack-o-lantern (Omphalotus illudens) by iNaturalist user drmbridges1 (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/249520002)

Frightening Fungi of Vermont

Things are getting creepy up north! In celebration of the spooky season, check out these frightening fungi that you can find in your backyard!

By Dana Williams October 31, 2024

Eastern American Jack-O’-Lantern Mushroom (Omphalotus illudens)

A bright orange mushroom with weak bioluminescence. In addition to having a Halloween color and name, this species goes the extra mile, as it is also poisonous. 
Found: All over VT
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Eastern American Jack-o-lantern (Omphalotus illudens) iNaturalist user irubyz (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/249141550)
Eastern American Jack-o-lantern (Omphalotus illudens) iNaturalist user irubyz (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/249141550)

Witch’s Butter (Tremella mesenterica) 

A bright yellow or orange jelly fungus that grows on the branches of flowering trees in fall. 
Found: All over VT
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Witch’s Butter (Tremella mesenterica)  iNaturalist user genevieveboushey (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/248359968)
Witch’s Butter (Tremella mesenterica)  iNaturalist user genevieveboushey (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/248359968)

Devil’s Urn (Urnula craterium)

A parasitic cup fungus that grows on oaks and other hardwood species. The asexual stage of this organism causes cankers on trees. 
Found:  mostly on the western-central edge of VT
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Devil’s Urn (Urnula craterium) iNaturalist user alfaucet (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/235596581)
Devil’s Urn (Urnula craterium) iNaturalist user alfaucet (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/235596581)

Dead Man’s Fingers (Xylaria polymorpha) 

A common species typically found at the bottom of dead or decaying trees.
Found: All over VT 
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Dead Man’s Fingers (Xylaria polymorpha) iNaturalist user pigboi (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/248920597)
Dead Man’s Fingers (Xylaria polymorpha) iNaturalist user pigboi (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/248920597)

Scarlet Caterpillar Club (Cordyceps militaris)

This is one of the many species of cordyceps that parasitizes insects. This particular organism takes over the bodies of caterpillars and controls their behavior (think The Last of Us). 
Found: All over VT
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15040, , original (11), , , image/jpeg, https://vtecostudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/original-11.jpeg, 1536, 2048, Array, Array iNaturalist user keara_giannotti (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/237655493)
Scarlet Caterpillar Club (Cordyceps militaris) growing out of a pupae iNaturalist user keara_giannotti (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/237655493)
15041, , original (12), , , image/jpeg, https://vtecostudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/original-12.jpeg, 1536, 2048, Array, Array iNaturalist user keara_giannotti (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/237655493)
Scarlet Caterpillar Club (Cordyceps militaris) iNaturalist user keara_giannotti (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/237655493)

Fairy Ring Marasmius (Marasmius oreades)

One of many species of fungi that grows in rings. The folklore surrounding the species says that those unlucky enough to accidentally step into the circle of mushrooms will be whisked away by the fairy folk. 
Found: All over VT, but rare. 
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Fairy Ring Marasmius (Marasmius oreades) iNaturalist user laughingjims (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/248984150)
Fairy Ring Marasmius (Marasmius oreades) iNaturalist user laughingjims (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/248984150)

Eastern North American Destroying Angel (Amanita bisporigera) 

One of the most toxic Amanita in North America. Consuming this fungus causes deadly outcomes like liver failure, kidney failure, and blood clotting, just to name a few. 
Found: All over VT
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Eastern North American Destroying Angel (Amanita bisporigera) iNaturalist user osifer_dan (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/248656201)
Eastern North American Destroying Angel (Amanita bisporigera) iNaturalist user osifer_dan (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/248656201)

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