Fauna
Fungus

Devil's Bolete

Rubroboletus satanas

Also known as Satan's Bolete, Bloody Bolete

Easily recognized by its massive pale grey cap, blood-red pores, and swollen red-netted stem, Devil's bolete is a striking fungal giant of warm oak and beech woodlands on chalky soils. When cut or bruised, the spongy yellow flesh rapidly oxidizes to a vivid cyan blue before slowly fading back. Older specimens emit a powerful, sickening odor reminiscent of decaying meat, which deters mammals from disturbing the mature fruiting body.

PoisonousChalk WoodlandBolete
Devil's Bolete reference1 / 7
(c) Davide Puddu, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Davide Puddu · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMycorrhizal (sustained by nutrient exchanges with broadleaf tree roots)
Predators
  • Fungus gnats
  • Slugs
  • Maggots
ThreatsHabitat loss, soil acidification, over-collection
HabitatsDeciduous forests, oak and beech woodlands, chalk and limestone soils
Life spanFruiting body lasts 1–2 weeks; underground mycelium lives for decades
Classification
  1. FamilyBoletaceae
  2. SpeciesRubroboletus satanas
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Severe gastrointestinal toxin; many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes, so never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
Why it is dangerous
Contains bolesatine, a protein synthesis inhibitor that causes severe vomiting, intense abdominal cramps, and violent diarrhea.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a chalky off-white cap paired with blood-red pore openings and a swollen stem covered in dark red reticulation.
What to do
Do not consume under any circumstances; admire and photograph the specimen in place without ingesting any part.
Responsible observation
  • Observe the Staining: Gently press the pore surface to watch the rapid blue oxidation occur within seconds.
  • Check the Netting: Examine the bulbous lower stem with a hand lens to spot the fine blood-red reticulated pattern.
  • Smell from a Distance: Avoid sniffing older caps up close, as mature specimens smell strongly of rot.
Related species
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