Explore the world of deadly fungi with a concise overview of hazardous species and their varying degrees of toxicity.

Among the most notorious, the genus Amanita stands as an emblem of danger in the fungal kingdom. With its vivid appearance, Amanita species pose a significant risk due to high toxicity levels. Here are the most notable examples:

Death cap (Amanita phalloides) is accountable for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings globally. Without emergency medical attention within the first hours of ingestion, death is almost inevitable. Cooking of any kind has no effect on toxicity.

Death capAmanita phalloides

Destroying angel (Amanita virosa) – a slightly lesser-known but equally deadly mushroom. As in the case of the death cap, it is not recommended to place it near mushrooms intended for consumption or even to touch it with bare hands. In addition to those mentioned, there are numerous species of the genus Amanita with varying degrees of toxicity. All of them cause severe damage to the liver and kidneys and can be fatal. Images of some of them are provided below.

Another highly dangerous genus is the Cortinarius. Almost all species of this genus can cause serious kidney damage, and the most toxic ones – deadly webcap (Cortinarius rubellus) and fool's webcap (Cortinarius orellanus) – can lead to death.

Deadly webcapCortinarius rubellus

Funeral bell (Galerina marginata) contains the same toxins as the death cap, and, if ingested, similarly causes severe liver damage leading to death. The particular danger of this mushroom lies in its high variability in appearance and habitat to the extent that it was previously believed to be five different species. Therefore, even if you have encountered it before, there is a chance of not recognizing it or confusing it with another species.

Funeral bellGalerina marginata

Many species of the Lepiota genus cause severe poisonings. Consuming just 100 g of the deadly dapperling (Lepiota brunneoincarnata) can lead to death due to liver damage.

Deadly dapperlingLepiota brunneoincarnata

Pholiotina rugosa contains the same toxins as mushrooms of the Amanita and Lepiota genera.

Pholiotina rugosa

Brown rollrim (Paxillus involutus) causes severe food poisoning, and in some cases, hemolytic anemia.

Brown rollrimPaxillus involutus

The toxicity of false morel (Gyromitra esculenta) varies depending on the location and growing conditions; nevertheless, even a small portion of these mushrooms can be enough to be fatal to a child.

False morelGyromitra esculenta

Earthy inocybe or white fibercap (Inocybe geophylla) varies externally, appearing in both white and lilac colors. Regardless of the variety, it causes severe poisonings, as do some other species of the Inocybe genus.

Earthy inocybeInocybe geophylla

Consuming the sulphur tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare) rarely leads to death, but, in addition to gastrointestinal poisoning, it can also cause paralysis and vision disturbances.

Sulphur tuftHypholoma fasciculare

Eastern jack-o'lantern mushroom (Omphalotus illudens) is dangerous as it closely resembles some edible mushrooms; fatal cases are rare, but severe poisoning is guaranteed.

Eastern jack-o'lantern mushroomOmphalotus illudens

The mechanism of action on the organism by angel wing (Pleurocybella porrigens) is precisely unknown; however, consuming these mushrooms has been associated with cases of encephalopathy and death.

Angel wingPleurocybella porrigens

This is by no means an exhaustive list of species whose consumption can lead to death. The mechanisms of toxin action often remain unknown, and many mushroom species are not fully researched. Nevertheless, already identified deadly poisonous mushrooms can serve as a guide for recognizing which mushrooms to avoid. Other related species may differ slightly in appearance, nevertheless, retaining some common traits. To avoid potential harm, avoid contact with any mushrooms resembling those mentioned above.