Deceiver

Identification checklist

Check the entire fruitbody for identification. A small to medium pinkish-brown mushroom whose colours fade strongly; thick, widely spaced gills are especially characteristic. The initially convex cap often flattens and becomes centrally depressed; the stem is fibrous and similarly coloured, with a white spore print. Typical habitat: In many woodland types, along paths and woodland edges, often in groups from summer to late autumn.

Detailed features

Cap

A small to medium-sized pinkish-brown mushroom whose colours fade strongly; the thick, widely spaced gills are especially characteristic.

Hymenophore

The initially convex cap often flattens and becomes depressed in the centre; the stem is fibrous and similarly coloured, and the spore print is white.

Flesh

Pinkish-brown and relatively tough.

Smell

Mild spicy smell.

Spore print

White.

Ecology

Substrate

Forest soil

Notes

In many woodland types, along paths and woodland edges, often in groups from summer to late autumn.

Similar species

• Amethyst deceiver (Laccaria amethystina)
• Laccaria bicolor
• Laccaria species

Interesting facts

Did you know? The cap fades strongly as it dries, so the thick, widely spaced gills are also important for identification.