While not toxic, Clathrus archeri is considered inedible due to its unpleasant smell and texture. Foragers should avoid consuming it and be cautious of lookalikes that may be harmful.
Clathrus archeri is a distinctive fungus characterized by its unique, tentacle-like arms that emerge from a central base. The arms are initially enclosed in a gelatinous egg-like structure and later open up to reveal a spongy, foul-smelling interior that attracts insects for spore dispersal.
Field marks recorded for this species. Work through all of them, not just one:
| Family | Phallaceae |
|---|---|
| Genus | Clathrus |
| Edibility | Inedible |
| Toxicity | none |
| Season | Aug-Oct |
| Habitat | Typically found in decaying wood, leaf litter, or grassy areas, often in disturbed sites. |
| Region | Found in temperate regions worldwide, including parts of Europe, North America, and Australia. |
Habitat: Typically found in decaying wood, leaf litter, or grassy areas, often in disturbed sites.
Region: Found in temperate regions worldwide, including parts of Europe, North America, and Australia.
Fruits primarily in late summer to early autumn.
Typical months: Aug-Oct
Always verify identification to avoid these similar species. The differentiator is the point — learn the one or two tells that separate them:
Similar appearance but typically has a more solid structure and less pronounced arms.
Has a more elongated shape and lacks the tentacle-like arms of Clathrus archeri.
Pin the patch before you leave it. Coordinates, photos, and field notes stay on your device — and the offline lookalike guide travels with you into the deep woods.
Download Mushroom TrackerDisclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Never consume a wild mushroom unless you are 100% certain of its identification.