Bolete satanicus – characteristics, occurrence and symptoms of poisoning

In the land of mushrooms, not everything is as it seems.

The bolete (Imleria badia), although it may look like a harmless relative of the bolete (Boletus edulis), harbors a potential threat to mushroom picking enthusiasts. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Satanic Bolete, its characteristics, occurrence, and learn how to distinguish it from other mushrooms, as well as what are the symptoms of poisoning and how to provide first aid in the event of Satanic Bolete poisoning.

Bolete satanicus – characteristics, occurrence

Boletus satanic mushroom is a mushroom that, at first glance, may be confused with boletus edulis. It is a cap-shaped mushroom that can reach a diameter of 8 to 25 centimeters. The cap is light brown to dark brown in color, with distinct scales. The rivulets are initially white and then become yellowish-green. The stipe is massive, light brown to dark brown in color, with a light ring and distinct reticulate patterns on the underside of the stipe.

The bolete is found mainly in coniferous and mixed forests, especially under pines, larches and spruces. It is a mushroom found throughout Europe, North Asia and North America.

Bolete satanic and gall bolete – how to distinguish?

The similarity of the boletus to other mushrooms, especially the gall mushroom (Tylopilus felleus), may mislead mushroom pickers. Here are some features to help distinguish the two species:

• The satanic bolete has a more massive stem than the gall bolete.
• The gall bolete has a more intensely bitter-tasting cap skin than the satanic bolete.
• The underside of the gall bolete’s stem is covered with distinct reticulate patterns, while the gall bolete has a smooth underside.

Boletus satanic and boletus edulis – how to distinguish?

It can be difficult to tell the difference between the satanic bolete and the common bolete because both species are similar. Here are some features to help with identification:

• Boletus edulis has a white underside of the stipe, while the underside of the satan bolete is usually yellowish-green.
• The cap of the boletus edulis is more rounded and symmetrical than that of the bolete edulis, which may have a more irregular shape.
• Boletus edulis usually has more delicate scales on the cap than the bolete.

Symptoms of boletus satan poisoning

Boletus satan poisoning can be very dangerous and symptoms may appear even a few hours after consuming the mushroom. The most common symptoms of poisoning are:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Hematuria

In more severe cases, liver and kidney damage may occur, and even life-threatening multi-organ failure may occur.

First aid for bolete poisoning

If you suspect bolete poisoning, immediately go to the nearest hospital or contact a toxicologist. In the meantime, you can take the following steps:

• Drink plenty of water to help cleanse your body of toxins.
• Do not try to induce vomiting without consulting your doctor.
• Do not take any medications on your own.
• If possible, note what mushrooms were consumed to aid diagnosis.

Your suggestions

Always be careful when picking and eating mushrooms. If you are not sure what you are picking, it is better to leave it to experienced mushroom pickers. Boletus is one of the mushrooms that can confuse unwary mushroom hunters, so it is worth knowing its characteristics and the differences between it and other species. If in any doubt, it is always better to err on the side of caution and avoid the risk of poisoning.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in mushrooms, we also recommend reading articles on other species of edible and poisonous mushrooms, as well as guides on safe mushroom picking.

Remember that in the case of mushroom poisoning, time is of the essence, so seek medical help immediately if you have any suspicions of poisoning. Safety is always paramount, even when searching for nature’s tasty treats.