Scarletina Bolete / Red Foot Bolete

Physical Characteristics

This mushroom appears to be a bolete with a dark brown to blackish cap, showing some orange/yellow discoloration, possibly due to damage or age. The underside of the cap, which shows the pore surface, is a vibrant yellowish-orange, typical of some Boletus species. The stem (stipe) is robust and has reddish and yellowish tones, indicating a potential bruising reaction or coloration specific to the species. The overall size, held in a hand, suggests it is a medium to large mushroom.

Habitat & Growing Conditions

Boletus erythropus typically grows on the ground in deciduous and coniferous forests. It is often found under oak, beech, spruce, and fir trees.

Season & Fruiting Time

Generally found from early summer to late autumn, depending on the region and climatic conditions. Its fruiting is usually triggered by adequate rainfall after dry periods.

Similar Looking Species

Similar species include other boletes with red stems and blue-staining flesh, such as Rubroboletus satanas (Satan's Bolete), which generally has a paler cap (whitish to greyish-brown) and often a bluer stem base. Another look-alike is Neoboletus luridiformis, which has a similar appearance and blue-staining reaction but might differ in cap color (often more uniformly dark brown) and reticulation on the stem (Boletus erythropus typically lacks a strong reticulation).

Ecological Role

Boletus erythropus is a mycorrhizal fungus, forming a symbiotic relationship with the roots of certain trees, exchanging nutrients (e.g., phosphorus and nitrogen from the fungus to the tree, and carbohydrates from the tree to the fungus). This relationship benefits both organisms and contributes to the health and vitality of forest ecosystems.

Identified on: 7/24/2025

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