Fly Agaric - favourite food of insects

Kevbert · #1 (**permalink**) 19-09-2011, 01:47 PM

While looking for fungi the other day I came across a large number of Fly Agaric which all seemed a little worse for wear.

These are some of the better pictures. I looked in this area a few weeks back and found only one or two.

Questions...

How long does it take this fungus to grow ? It seems to grow very rapidly from first seen to fully grown.

What sort of insects/invertebrates eat these fungi ? Woodlice, slugs ?

I've also seen what looks like a Fly Agaric in late stages of life (no photo unfortunately) and it still has some white scales, but is almost white with just a very small hint of red. Is this correct or have I seen another type of fungus ? (Panthercap ?)

JAJ · #2 (**permalink**) 19-09-2011, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevbert

What sort of insects/invertebrates eat these fungi ? Woodlice, slugs ?

Slugs yes. Also mice , rats, hare and deer may browse on several varieties of fungi including toxic ones.

Incisor teeth marks (nibbles) are common on lots of damaged fungi before the slugs move in.

Peace J

Morchella · #3 (**permalink**) 19-09-2011, 08:38 PM

Your whitish one could have been a blusher

Laura

Kevbert · #4 (**permalink**) 20-09-2011, 08:36 AM

Thanks for the comments.
Yes, I think is was probably a blusher having looked at the pictures online. Fly Agaric seems to loose its spots as it ages, but this one still had its spots.