Lobster mushroom

Hypomyces lactifluorum

The Lobster mushroom, ''Hypomyces lactifluorum'', contrary to its common name, is not a mushroom, but rather a parasitic ascomycete fungus that grows on certain species of mushrooms, turning them a reddish orange color that resembles the outer shell of a cooked lobster.
Lobster mushroom near Glacier Peak Hypomyces lactifluorum is fascinating, because it is a macro fungi that is two fungi in one. The ascomycete H. lactifluorum colonizes (parasitizes) the basidiomycete Russula brevipes. This is a prized edible mushroom of much local renown. Geotagged,Hypomyces lactifluorum,Lobster mushroom,Summer,United States

Behavior

''H. lactifluorum'' specifically attacks members of the genera ''Lactarius'' and ''Lactifluus'' , and ''Russula'' , such as ''Russula brevipes'' and ''Lactifluus piperatus'' in North America. At maturity, ''H. lactifluorum'' thoroughly covers its host, rendering it unidentifiable. Lobster mushrooms are widely eaten and enjoyed; they are commercially marketed and are commonly found in some large grocery stores. They have a seafood-like flavor and a firm, dense texture. According to some, they may taste somewhat spicy if the host mushroom is an acrid ''Lactarius''.

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Taxonomy
KingdomFungi
DivisionAscomycota
ClassSordariomycetes
OrderHypocreales
FamilyHypocreaceae
GenusHypomyces
SpeciesH. lactifluorum