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This specimen parasitized the Russula brevipies (see photos in "Voucher Photos" folder on C drive). Host was vouchered for confirmation.
Hypomyces lactiflorum is a widespread ascomycete species that attacks and takes over basidiomycetes, usually Russula brevipes. Russula brevipes then becomes the support for Hypomyces lactiflorum and instead of gills with basidiospores forming on the underside of the cap, the fungus produces ascospores in sacks over the entire fruiting body. The firm crisp fruiting body that results is known as the Lobster mushroom. The bland uninteresting Russula brevipes and possibly some white Lactarius species are transformed into a choice edible. Potentially a poisonous species could also be parasitized, so only eat the thick, crisp firm "Lobster Mushrooms" and avoid any spindly or flabby look-alikes. |
