Fungus · GBIF taxon 2524108
bridal veil stinkhorn
Phallus indusiatusAlso known as Veiled Lady, Basket Stinkhorn, Long Net Stinkhorn, Crinoline Stinkhorn
Emerging from an egg-like underground structure, this tropical fungus expands rapidly within hours to deploy a delicate, lace-like skirt hanging beneath its olive-brown cap. A pungent, carrion-like slime coating the cap attracts flies and beetles, which consume the spore-rich gleba and transport spores across the forest floor. Fruiting bodies typically collapse within a single day, leaving behind decaying tissue and returning nutrients to the soil.
TropicalDistinctiveDecomposer
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Decaying Wood
- Leaf Litter
- Organic Matter
Predators
- Flies
- Beetles
- Slugs
ThreatsHabitat loss and deforestation
HabitatsTropical forests, gardens, rich soils, bamboo thickets
Life spanBrief (fruiting body lasts 12 to 24 hours)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPhallaceae
- SpeciesPhallus indusiatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
- Early Morning Observation: Catch the delicate skirt fully expanded, as fruiting bodies often collapse by midday.
- Follow Your Nose: Locate mature specimens by tracking their strong, foul carrion scent through damp foliage.
- Substrate Inspection: Look around rich leaf litter, mulch beds, or bamboo stands after heavy warm rains.
Close Relative Family Member Family Member Close Relative
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.