Mushiis in Motion: "Satan's Bolete" Rubroboletus Satanas

Rubroboletus satanas, commonly referred to as the Devil's Bolete (or by some people as Satan's Bolete) because of its poisonous nature, is a rather rare mushroom in Britain and Ireland although more common in parts of southern Europe; it is found under oak and beech trees, generally on chalky soil.

All of the red-pored boletes are uncommon in the UK, but Rubroboletus satanas (until recently much better known by its synonyous scientific name Boletus satanas) is one of the rarest and is restricted to chalky parts of southern England.

Rubroboletus satanas is a poisonous mushroom, and particularly so if it is eaten raw. Muscarine (in very small quantities) has been found in this mushroom, but experts consider it unlikely that the concentration is sufficient to account for the reported toxicity. Other poisonous compounds have recently been isolated from fruitbodies of Suillellus satanas, and so it is - Classed as a seriously poisonous species.