Species details
Bloody milkcap
Lactarius sanguifluus
Traditionally edible
Photo: Jose Angel Urquia Goitia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A milkcap with orange to wine-red latex that often develops green staining after damage.
Identification features
The cap is orange-brown with greenish stains; damaged gills exude reddish latex.
Identification checklist
Check the entire fruitbody for identification. A milkcap with orange to wine-red latex that often develops green staining after damage. The cap is orange-brown with greenish stains; damaged gills exude reddish latex. Typical habitat: Warm pine woodland, especially on calcareous soils.
How to separate similar species
Compare especially with these similar species: Lactarius deliciosus, Lactarius deterrimus, Lactarius salmonicolor. Check the combination of cap shape and colour, spore-bearing surface, stem, flesh changes and habitat. A single feature or photograph is not enough; if the key characters do not match the description, do not treat the identification as confirmed.
Habitat
Warm pine woodland, especially on calcareous soils.
Fruiting period
August, September, October, November