Mycology

Hypomyces lactifluorum

This striking orange "mushroom" is actually two fungi growing together: a white Russula mushroom, attacked by an orange mold parasite (Hypomyces lactifluorum). Despite its biological and aesthetic strangeness, this combination of parasite and host are edible; it has a seafood-like scent and texture that helped inspire the common name "lobster mushroom". The lobster mushroom is not found in Utah, but the host mushroom is.

Catalog #: UT-M0001776

Aureoboletus mirabilis (Murrill) Halling

The "admirable bolete", also known as the "velvet top", is an ectomycorrhizal mushroom-forming fungus that is a member of the "Bolete mushroom" family (Boletaceae). This species can be found across the Pacific Coast of North America, from California all the way to Alaska. Boletus mirabilis may be unusual among other boletes in that it can be found fruiting on dead hemlock trees, which may suggest that this fungus can also be a decomposer.

Catalog #: UT-M0001555

Porphyrellus sp.

This bolete mushroom (mushrooms with a sponge-like layer under the cap) was encountered once during an expedition to Camerooon and likely represents a species new to science. When fresh, the entire mushroom was turquoise-blue, providing a striking and colorful contrast to the background of decaying leaves in the dark understory of a tropical forest.

Catalog #: UT-M0000030

Hypomyces chrysospermus

The mold genus Hypomyces contains many species of fungal parasites, each with its own type of mushroom host. This genus includes Hypomyces lactifluorum, the parasite that forms lobster mushrooms. H. chrysospermus is a parasite of mushrooms with pores under their caps instead of gills, called "boletes". This specimen shows a host bolete that has been completely overgrown by its fluffy white/yellow mold parasite.

Ophiocordyceps sp.

This "zombie fungus", collected during an expedition to Cameroon, has infected and killed a wasp. After consuming the entirety of internal tissues, the fungus reproduces by erupting a reproductive structure from the wasp's body. This structure, which looks here like a wire protruding from the bottom of the wasp's thorax, will shed tiny spores that can land on and infect another unsuspecting host.

Catalog #: UT-M0000295

Morchella snyderi M. Kuo & Methven

Morels are popular edible fungi that can be found in the spring. This specimen was collected right here in the Salt Lake Valley. Morels look similar to other mushrooms in that they appear to have a stalk and a cap, but they're actually more closely related to molds and culinary truffles--they evolved to look mushroom-like independently. Morels have a complex mixture of lifestyles, part decomposer, part mutualistic tree partner. The family Morchellaceae contains several other genera of fungi that look similar to morels but vary in edibility.

Catalog #: UT-M0000459