Fauna
Fungus

King Bolete

Boletus edulis

Also known as Porcini, Penny Bun, Cepe, Steinpilz

King boletes form symbiotic mycorrhizal relationships with conifers and broadleaf trees across northern temperate forests. A distinct network of pale raised veins, known as reticulation, covers the upper portion of their thick, bulbous stalks. Instead of gills, these mushrooms release spores through microscopic tubes lining spongy pore surfaces that shift from white to yellowish-green as they mature.

FungusForest FloorMycorrhizal
King Bolete reference1 / 7
(c) Davide Puddu, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Davide Puddu · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMycorrhizal partner
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Fungus Gnat Larvae
  • Squirrels
ThreatsHabitat loss, deforestation, extreme drought
HabitatsConiferous, deciduous, and mixed temperate woodland
Life spanFruiting body 1–2 weeks; underground mycelium lives decades
Classification
  1. OrderBoletales
  2. FamilyBoletaceae
  3. GenusBoletus
  4. SpeciesBoletus edulis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Many wild mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never consume wild fungi based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Identification: Look for fine white reticulation veining on the upper stalk.
  • Pore Inspection: Observe how the spongy undersides transition from white to olive-green as spores mature.
  • Habitat Scouting: Search around mature spruce, pine, and oak trees following autumnal rains.
Related species
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