Omphalotus olearius

Omphalotus olearius
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Agaricales
Family: Omphalotaceae
Genus: Omphalotus
Species:
O. olearius
Binomial name
Omphalotus olearius
(DC.) Sing. (1948)
Synonyms
  • Agaricus olearius DC. (1815)
  • Agaricus olearius subsp. phosphoreus Battarra ex Pers. (1828)
  • Dryophila phosphorea (Battarra ex Pers.) Quél. (1888)
  • Clitocybe olearia (DC.) Maire (1933)
  • Clitocybe phosphorea (Battarra ex Pers.) Bohus (1957)

Omphalotus olearius, commonly known as the jack-o'-lantern mushroom, is a poisonous orange gilled mushroom that to an untrained eye appears similar to some chanterelles. It is notable for its bioluminescent properties. It is found in woodland areas in Europe, where it grows on decaying stumps, on buried roots or at the base of hardwood trees. A similar, but phylogenetically distinct species found in eastern North America is Omphalotus illudens.

Unlike chanterelles, Omphalotus olearius and other Omphalotus species contain the toxin illudin S, and are poisonous to humans. While not typically lethal, consuming this mushroom leads to very severe cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.