Amanita muscaria var. aureola

Morphological Features:

Pileus usually not as large as in other varieties, although it sometimes exceeds 10 cm in diameter. Initially globose, it becomes convex and finally flattens completely. The center of the pileus may be slightly reddish, but the remainder is clearly orange. The surface is smooth and slightly striate at the margin; furthermore, it lacks remnants of the volva.

Lamellae fairly broad and free from the stipe, white in color, rather crowded.

Stipe cylindrical, less thickened and more elongated than in the typical species. White in color, occasionally somewhat yellowish, but never distinctly yellow. Bears a white, pendent, membranous ring near the apex, and at the base a volva that is more prominent and less farinose than in the typical species.

Flesh thinner than in other varieties, but equally firm; the taste is mild and the odor slightly rafanoid.

Habitat:

Fruits in summer and autumn in deciduous and coniferous forests. Not as abundant as Amanita muscaria, but relatively easy to find.

Observations:

It is readily distinguished from the typical species by its orange pileus lacking veil remnants, as well as by its more prominent volva, which is less farinose, and its less thickened stipe. It is frequently confused with Amanita caesarea, a species that has both yellow lamellae and stipe, along with a broad, enveloping volva.