Mushroom Identification Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the study of fungi called?

Mycology (correct)

Ecology

Zoology

Botany

What role do mycorrhizae play in plant growth?

They reduce the plant's access to water.

They harm the plant by causing disease.

They solely decompose organic matter.

They enhance plant growth by sharing nutrients. (correct)

Approximately how many species of mushrooms are estimated to exist in the United States?

50,000 species

10,000 species (correct)

20,000 species

5,000 species

Which of the following is NOT a type of fungus mentioned?

Cacti Signup and view all the answers

Why are fungi not listed on the endangered species list?

Little is known about them. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of fungi contributes to their role in ecosystems?

Their role in nutrient recycling. Signup and view all the answers

What is mycelium?

Threads formed by fungi around plant roots. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of fungi's ecosystem role?

They can enhance or hinder plant growth. Signup and view all the answers

What happens after the nuclei in the basidium fuse?

They undergo a two-step division. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of structure do basidiospores develop from?

Basidia Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of the Yellow Morel mushroom?

It is completely hollow inside. Signup and view all the answers

What environmental conditions are necessary for a mushroom to develop from mycelium?

Humidity, temperature, water, and light Signup and view all the answers

Where does the Stalked Scarlet Cup produce its spores?

In the lining of the cup Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mushrooms is NOT edible?

Stalked Scarlet Cup Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the stem and cap of Yellow Morels?

The stem and cap are actually one hollow structure. Signup and view all the answers

In which season are Stalked Scarlet Cups typically found?

Spring to early summer Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinguishing feature of the Lion's Mane mushroom?

It has no cap and a spongy fruiting body. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the Yellow Chanterelle typically found?

Around oak trees after summer rains. Signup and view all the answers

What is the status of the Bird's Nest mushroom regarding edibility?

It is not edible but not harmful. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the spore cases of the Bird's Nest mushroom when it rains?

They are dispersed when rain hits the cap. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the gills of the Yellow Chanterelle?

The gills are attached down to the stem and can be forked. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of deciduous trees?

They lose their leaves annually. Signup and view all the answers

What color are the spores of the Bird's Nest mushroom?

Gray to black inside the nests. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a fungus is referred to as the stipe?

The stalk of the fruiting body. Signup and view all the answers

What does mycology study?

Fungi and their properties. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mushrooms is edible and similar to the Lion's Mane?

Bear's Head. Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique environmental requirement for the growth of the Yellow Chanterelle?

It thrives around oak trees, especially after rains. Signup and view all the answers

What is humus primarily made of?

Dark, decayed organic matter. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of mycorrhizae?

They provide a symbiotic relationship between fungus and plant roots. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary color of the cap of the Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric?

Pale yellow-orange Signup and view all the answers

Which species is known for its medicinal use against liver cancer and jaundice?

Turkey Tail Fungus Signup and view all the answers

How does the Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric appear when fresh?

It is covered with white 'warts'. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common culinary use for Wood Ear mushrooms?

Commonly found in Asian cuisine Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic feature distinguishes the Turkey Tail Fungus?

It has multicolored zones on its cap. Signup and view all the answers

Which mushroom is considered poisonous and hallucinogenic?

Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of mushroom species decline in Illinois?

Urbanization and agriculture Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of Wood Ear mushrooms when fresh?

They have a gelatinous middle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ecological significance of the relationship between mycorrhizae and plants?

Mycorrhizae enhance plant growth by aiding in nutrient exchange, particularly water and minerals, while receiving sugars from the plants. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the study of mushrooms considered less widespread compared to other organisms like insects?

Few people study fungi, leading to a lack of knowledge about the number and distribution of mushrooms. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main components of mycorrhizae's role in the ecosystem?

Mycorrhizae are crucial for nutrient recycling and plant growth, creating a symbiotic exchange between fungi and plant roots. Signup and view all the answers

Identify one characteristic that distinguishes the mushroom's fruiting body.

The term 'mushroom' refers to large, fleshy, fruiting bodies of fungi that are visible without magnification. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why no mushroom species are listed as endangered in the U.S.

Mushrooms are not listed as endangered likely due to insufficient knowledge about their populations and habitats. Signup and view all the answers

What role do fungi play in nutrient cycling within ecosystems?

Fungi break down organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem for use by other organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What types of organisms are fungi second to in terms of species diversity on Earth?

Fungi are second only to insects in the number of species that exist on Earth. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss one adaptive advantage of mycorrhizae for plants.

Mycorrhizae allow plants to thrive in harsh soil conditions by improving their access to water and nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary habitat of the Turkey Tail fungus?

The Turkey Tail fungus primarily grows on stumps and logs of deciduous trees. Signup and view all the answers

What distinctive feature gives the Turkey Tail its name?

The bands of multicolored zones on the cap give the Turkey Tail fungus its name. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric considered dangerous?

The Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric is considered poisonous and can cause hallucinations. Signup and view all the answers

What are the culinary uses of Wood Ear mushrooms?

Wood Ear mushrooms are edible and commonly used in Asian cuisine. Signup and view all the answers

What has been identified as the major cause for the decline in mushroom species in Illinois?

Habitat degradation and destruction from urbanization and agriculture are the primary causes. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the color of Lion’s Mane mushroom with age or frost?

The white may turn yellow. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the habitat where the Rounded Earthstar is typically found.

The Rounded Earthstar grows on humus, either scattered or clustered, in late summer and fall. Signup and view all the answers

What unique characteristic is associated with the gills of the Shaggy Mane mushroom during maturation?

The gills of the Shaggy Mane turn black and liquefy, filling with spores. Signup and view all the answers

What is the appearance of the spore cases found in the Bird's Nest mushroom?

The spore cases, called peridioles, are gray to black and resemble eggs. Signup and view all the answers

Identify one edible and one non-edible mushroom mentioned in the content.

The Spotted Bolete is edible, while the Rounded Earthstar is not edible. Signup and view all the answers

How are the gills of the Yellow Chanterelle mushroom described?

The gills attach down to the stem and may sometimes be forked. Signup and view all the answers

What type of growth pattern does the Sulfur-Colored Chicken of the Woods exhibit?

It grows in overlapping clusters on dead or dying deciduous trees. Signup and view all the answers

Under what kind of environmental conditions are Yellow Chanterelles most commonly found?

They are found around oaks, especially after summer rains. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Split-Gill mushroom differ in appearance compared to typical mushrooms?

The Split-Gill has small, white, hairy, fan-shaped caps with no stalk. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the Bird's Nest mushroom being considered undesirable for consumption?

It is not known to be toxic or harmful, just undesirable for consumption. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the texture of the cap of the Yellow Chanterelle mushroom.

The cap has a unique texture with ribs of tissue that rise and fall in narrow ridges and valleys. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical dimension of the cap of the Spotted Bolete?

The cap of the Spotted Bolete measures between 5-10 cm wide. Signup and view all the answers

What key visual characteristic do Lion's Mane mushrooms lack compared to other fungi?

Lion's Mane mushrooms do not have a traditional cap. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the edibility of the Sulfur-Colored Chicken of the Woods?

It is considered edible and commonly referred to as Chicken Mushroom. Signup and view all the answers

In which seasons are Bird's Nest mushrooms typically most abundant?

They are most abundant in late summer and early fall. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the appearance of the gills in the Shaggy Mane mushroom when it is young.

The gills are thin, very closely crowded, and silver white when young. Signup and view all the answers

What color and shape can characterize the cap of the Rounded Earthstar?

The cap is star-shaped with pale tan rays, and a brown spore case with a central pore. Signup and view all the answers

How do Bird's Nest mushrooms disperse their spores?

Spores are dispersed when rain hits the cap just right, ejecting the peridioles. Signup and view all the answers

Is the Lion's Mane mushroom edible?

Yes, it is edible, similar to another species called Bear’s Head. Signup and view all the answers

During which seasons are mushrooms like the Rounded Earthstar and Spotted Bolete typically found?

Rounded Earthstar is found mainly in late summer, while Spotted Bolete appears in summer and early fall. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical habitat for the Crown-Tipped Coral fungus?

It typically grows on the dead wood of deciduous trees during summer. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the appearance of the caps of the Dryad’s Saddle mushroom.

The caps are circular to fan-shaped, yellow-tan, and covered with distinct dark brown scales. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Elegant Stinkhorn referred to as a 'stinkhorn'?

It is named 'stinkhorn' due to its pungent odor caused by the greenish-brown slime that covers its spore mass. Signup and view all the answers

What severe effects can the Emetic Russula cause if consumed?

It can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about the gills of the Fawn or Deer Mushroom?

The gills start as white and then fade to a pink shade as the mushroom matures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the texture of the Elegant Stinkhorn's body?

Its body is long and tapered, smooth, and has a pinkish orange color. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of taste is associated with the Dryad's Saddle when raw?

It is known to have a watermelon-like taste when eaten raw. Signup and view all the answers

What is one distinguishing feature of the Crown-Tipped Coral fungus?

It has many branches that create a coral-like appearance and lacks a traditional cap. Signup and view all the answers

In which seasons is the Dryad's Saddle fungus commonly found?

It commonly appears in spring and summer. Signup and view all the answers

What type of wood does the Crown-Tipped Coral typically grow on?

It grows on the dead wood of deciduous trees. Signup and view all the answers

The gills of the Jack-O-Lantern mushroom are ______ thin.

razor Signup and view all the answers

The Malodorous Lepiota is also known as the ______ Dapperling.

Stinking Signup and view all the answers

The Orange Mycena mushroom has a ______ cap that is sticky.

bright orange Signup and view all the answers

The Oyster Mushroom can be found growing on ______ as well as on tree stumps and logs.

wood Signup and view all the answers

The cap of the Malodorous Lepiota has a ______ color center that is darker than the rest of the cap.

red-brown Signup and view all the answers

Grows in dense clusters on deciduous wood from ______ to September.

June Signup and view all the answers

The gills of the Oyster Mushroom are ______ colored and forked near the edge of the cap.

white Signup and view all the answers

The cap of the Orange Mycena mushroom is initially ______ shaped.

egg Signup and view all the answers

To conserve our remaining ______, we must continue to manage our public and private natural areas.

mushrooms Signup and view all the answers

Amateur mycologists contribute to mycology by studying and documenting the locations, distributions, and habitats of ______.

mushrooms Signup and view all the answers

The largest living organism in the world is a honey mushroom (Armillaria ______).

ostoyae Signup and view all the answers

A giant puffball can contain more than ______ spores.

7 trillion Signup and view all the answers

To make a spore print, you should place the cap of a fresh mushroom on a sheet of ______.

white paper Signup and view all the answers

The early Greeks believed mushrooms were a result of Zeus’s ______.

lightning Signup and view all the answers

Although an estimated 1.5 million species of fungi exist on earth, only about ______ have been discovered and described.

80,000 Signup and view all the answers

The honey mushroom stretches ______ miles across.

3.5 Signup and view all the answers

Mushrooms that grow in a club environment can provide ______ for their members.

community and knowledge Signup and view all the answers

Keeping a journal of your mushroom observations helps in understanding their ______ types.

habitat Signup and view all the answers

Deciduous trees lose their ______ annually.

leaves Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is the stalk of a fungus.

stipe Signup and view all the answers

Humus is dark, nutrient-laden material resulting from the decay of ______.

formerly living things Signup and view all the answers

Mycorrhizae is a symbiotic association of a fungus and the roots of a ______.

plant Signup and view all the answers

A mycologist is one engaged in the study of ______.

mycology Signup and view all the answers

The Turkey Tail Fungus is known for its multicolored zones and is a type of ______.

mushroom Signup and view all the answers

Wood Ear mushrooms can grow up to ______ inches wide.

6 Signup and view all the answers

The Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric is not ______ and is known to be hallucinogenic.

edible Signup and view all the answers

Turkey Tail Fungus is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy against ______ cancer.

liver Signup and view all the answers

Wood Ear mushrooms are commonly used in ______ cuisine.

Asian Signup and view all the answers

The decline in mushroom species in Illinois is largely due to habitat degradation caused by ______ and agriculture.

urbanization Signup and view all the answers

The fruiting body of the Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric has a cap that is ______ in color.

pale yellow-orange Signup and view all the answers

The Turkey Tail Fungus has a cap that can range from 1 to ______ inches wide.

4 Signup and view all the answers

Wood Ear mushrooms' gelatinous middle turns ______ when dried.

tough Signup and view all the answers

The Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric grows primarily under ______ in summer and fall.

conifers Signup and view all the answers

Mushrooms contain ______ in their cell walls.

chitin Signup and view all the answers

The phenomenon known as ______ occurs when wood that glows in the dark is colonized by bioluminescent fungi.

foxfire Signup and view all the answers

Some mushrooms are bioluminescent and emit light in a manner similar to ______ and jellyfish.

fireflies Signup and view all the answers

Of the thousands of mushrooms in Illinois, a dozen or two are good to eat and several are ______ if eaten.

poisonous Signup and view all the answers

Cultivated mushrooms are the fifth largest ______ produced in the United States.

crop Signup and view all the answers

Scientists have discovered that fungi are more closely related to ______ than to plants.

animals Signup and view all the answers

Unlike plants, fungi do not have ______ and cannot make their own food.

chlorophyll Signup and view all the answers

Ascomycetes reproduce by forming ______ and ascospores.

asci Signup and view all the answers

The remnant of the partial veil that surrounds the stipe after expansion of the pileus is called an ______.

annulus Signup and view all the answers

Bioluminescent fungi are capable of producing ______.

light Signup and view all the answers

The typical life history of a moth or butterfly consists of complete ______, which is characterized by four distinct stages.

metamorphosis Signup and view all the answers

The female moth or butterfly lays eggs either singly, in rows, or clusters containing a few to several hundred ______.

eggs Signup and view all the answers

The caterpillar, also known as the larva, spends its life feeding and grows by ______ or shedding its skin several times.

molting Signup and view all the answers

The structure that allows a moth or butterfly to extract nectar from flowers is called the ______.

proboscis Signup and view all the answers

After a period of time, a winged adult emerges from the ______.

pupa Signup and view all the answers

Moths and butterflies are referred to as ______ because they go through complete metamorphosis.

holometabolous Signup and view all the answers

Adult moths and butterflies do not have any ______ mouthparts, relying instead on their straw-like tongues.

chewing Signup and view all the answers

The caterpillar's growth stages are termed ______, each larger than the previous one.

instars Signup and view all the answers

The ______ Butterfly is known to feed on Milkweed.

Monarch Signup and view all the answers

The larval food plant for the Black Swallowtail is primarily ______.

Carrots Signup and view all the answers

The ______ Moth is typically found feeding on Hickory and Walnut trees.

Luna Signup and view all the answers

Zebra Swallowtails predominantly feed on the ______ plant.

Pawpaw Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is a type of butterfly that prefers thistles as a nectar source.

Painted Lady Signup and view all the answers

Butterflies and moths have __________ jointed legs.

6 Signup and view all the answers

The structure formed by a butterfly during the pupae stage is called a __________.

chrysalis Signup and view all the answers

Moths are typically __________, meaning they are active at night.

nocturnal Signup and view all the answers

Butterflies generally hold their wings __________ over their back when at rest.

vertically Signup and view all the answers

The __________ connects the forewings and hind wings of moths, allowing them to work together during flight.

frenulum Signup and view all the answers

The Hummingbird Moth is an example of a moth that is __________, being active during the day.

diurnal Signup and view all the answers

While most moths build __________ to protect their young, butterflies do not spin these structures.

cocoons Signup and view all the answers

Butterflies usually have more __________ colors on their wings compared to moths.

vibrant Signup and view all the answers

At rest, moths hold their wings __________ to the sides of their body.

flat Signup and view all the answers

Butterflies and moths both belong to the class of insects known as __________.

insects Signup and view all the answers

The ______ Moth has a wingspan ranging from 1 1/8 to 2 inches.

Imperial Signup and view all the answers

The ______ Moth is found primarily in deciduous forests.

Luna Signup and view all the answers

In northern regions, the lifecycle of the Polyphemus Moth includes ______ generation per year.

one Signup and view all the answers

The Cecropia Moth has a wingspan of ______ to 5 7/8 inches.

4 ¾ Signup and view all the answers

The IO Moth's hindwings are characterized by a ______ submarginal band.

reddish-orange Signup and view all the answers

The habitat of the Imperial Moth extends from ______ to Canada.

Argentina Signup and view all the answers

Both the Luna Moth and the Imperial Moth can have ______ to 3 generations per year in warmer climates.

2 Signup and view all the answers

The lifecycle of the Polyphemus Moth is influenced by ______.

climate Signup and view all the answers

The color of the wings of the IO Moth varies between males and females, with males displaying ______ forewings.

yellow Signup and view all the answers

Cecropia Moths typically produce only ______ brood per year.

one Signup and view all the answers

The process in which an organism transforms from egg to adult is called ______.

complete metamorphosis Signup and view all the answers

The term ______ refers to the number of generations an organism has in a year.

voltinism Signup and view all the answers

The Cecropia Moth is classified as ______ because it only completes one full generation per year.

univoltine Signup and view all the answers

The Monarch butterfly is an example of a ______ species, going through multiple generations in one year.

multivoltine Signup and view all the answers

Butterflies and moths are significant as ______ because they help in the pollination of plants.

pollinators Signup and view all the answers

Both adults and caterpillars require specific kinds of ______ to thrive.

plants Signup and view all the answers

Butterflies and moths are considered excellent indicators of environmental ______.

quality Signup and view all the answers

Land development and the widespread use of pesticides greatly reduce butterfly and moth ______.

populations Signup and view all the answers

The complete metamorphosis of insects allows for distinct life cycle ______ at various stages.

stages Signup and view all the answers

Specific nectar flowers can attract many species of butterflies and ______.

moths Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Mushrooms

Mushrooms belong to the Kingdom Fungi, the second most diverse group after insects.
Over 10,000 mushroom species are found in the U.S., with at least 2,000 species in Illinois.
Limited studies on mushrooms due to their cryptic habitat and short lifespan contribute to lack of knowledge.
Mycology is the scientific study of fungi, and those who study them are called mycologists.
Fungi play crucial roles in ecosystem nutrient cycling and can promote plant growth via mycorrhizae, a symbiotic relationship with plant roots.
Mycorrhizae aid plants in nutrient uptake, while fungi receive sugars in return.
No mushrooms are listed as federally endangered, reflecting limited research on their distribution.

Anatomy of Mushrooms

The term "mushroom" includes various fleshy fungi like morels, polypores, and toadstools.
Basidia are reproductive structures undergoing division to create basidiospores which develop into hyphae.
Hyphae can fuse to form mycelium, leading to the development of fruiting bodies in suitable conditions.

Species Overview

Ascomycetes | Sac Fungi

Stalked Scarlet Cup (Sarcoscypha occidentalis): Small red cup; grows on wet sticks; not edible.
Yellow Morel (Morchella esculenta): Hollow with honeycomb pits; edible but has toxic “false morels” resembling it.

Basidiomycetes | Club Fungi

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus): White, spongy fruiting body; edible; grows on hardwood.
Bird’s Nest (Cyathus striatus): Vase-shaped; contains spore cases that are dispersed by rain; not edible.
Yellow Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius): Yellow-orange, trumpet-shaped; edible; aroma similar to apricot; grows around oaks.
Turkey Tail Fungus (Trametes versicolor): Multicolored, leathery brackets; medicinal properties; used in cancer treatment.
Wood Ear (Auricularia auricula): Wrinkled, gelatinous; edible; common in Asian cuisine.
Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria var. formosa): Hallucinogenic and toxic; pale yellow-orange cap with warts.

Conservation Concerns

Mushroom populations in Illinois are declining, primarily from habitat degradation due to urbanization and agriculture.
Certain species associated with forests are particularly affected.

Terminology

Fruiting Body: Spore-bearing structure in fungi.
Mycelium: Mass of hyphae; part of the mushroom's structure.
Mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots.
Hyphae: Filamentous structures that compose a fungus.

Important Reminders

Always ensure 100% identification of mushrooms before consumption, as some edible species have toxic look-alikes.

Introduction to Mushrooms

Mushrooms belong to the Kingdom Fungi, with over 10,000 species estimated in the U.S. and at least 2,000 in Illinois.
Mycology is the study of fungi, and specialists are called mycologists.
Fungi play crucial roles in ecosystems, facilitating nutrient recycling and forming beneficial mycorrhizal associations with plants.
Despite their importance, no mushrooms are listed as federally endangered, largely due to a lack of research.

Anatomy of Mushrooms

The term "mushroom" refers to fungi with large, fleshy fruiting bodies visible without magnification.
Varieties include mushrooms like boletes, chanterelles, and morels.
Some mushrooms are toxic; careful identification is necessary to avoid misidentification.

Basidiomycetes (Club Fungi)

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus): Edible with a spongy white mass; grows on hardwood.
Bird’s Nest (Cyathus striatus): Miniature vase-like structure; non-edible but not toxic.
Yellow Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius): Edible, yellow-orange trumpet-shaped mushroom, often found around oaks.
Crown-Tipped Coral (Artomyces pyxidatus): Edible, coral-like with crown tips; grows on dead wood.
Dryad’s Saddle (Polyporus squamosus): Edible mushroom with a fan shape, has a watermelon taste.
Elegant Stinkhorn (Mutinus elegans): Edible when immature; has a strong odor that can deter consumption.
Emetic Russula (Russula emetica): Bright red, highly toxic; causes severe gastrointestinal issues.
Fawn Mushroom (Pluteus cervinus): Typical mushroom shape, edible; grows in woods.
Rounded Earthstar (Geastrum saccatum): Star-shaped, not edible; grows on humus.
Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus): Edible if harvested young; the gills liquefy into ink when mature.
Split-Gill (Schizophyllum commune): Small, fan-shaped; not considered edible.
Spotted Bolete (Boletus affinis): Edible; found in deciduous forests.
Sulfur-Colored Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus): Edible; used as a chicken substitute in cooking.
Turkey Tail Fungus (Trametes versicolor): Edible/medicinal; used in traditional Chinese medicine for liver health.
Wood Ear (Auricularia auricula): Edible; commonly used in Asian cuisine.

Conservation Concerns

Declines in mushroom populations noted in Illinois, particularly in forest-associated species.
Primary threats include habitat degradation due to urbanization and agriculture.

Jack-O-Lantern

Gills run down the stem, sometimes mistaken for Yellow Chanterelle.
Gills are razor thin.
Habitat: Root parasite found around trees, particularly oaks, in soil.
Primarily appears in autumn, but also in spring and summer; typically found in clusters.
Toxic effects include severe gastrointestinal pain, vomiting, chills, and sweating.

Malodorous Lepiota (Lepiota cristata)

Cap is white (2/5 - 2 inches) with brown scales; darker center.
Initial bell-shaped to convex, later flattens out.
Stalk is 2 - 8 cm long, white to pale pink with an annulus.
Gills are crowded, white, turning dark brown with age.
Habitat: Found in mixed deciduous-coniferous forests during summer and fall.
Known as Stinking Dapperling due to rubbery/tar smell and is considered poisonous.

Orange Mycena (Mycena leaiana)

Sticky, bright orange cap (½ - 2 inches wide), egg-shaped to bell-shaped.
Long, curving stalk (1¼ - 2¾ inches), orange-yellow with fibrous hair at the base.
Gills are pinkish yellow, closely spaced, dappled with red-orange when cut.
Habitat: Clusters on deciduous wood from June to September.
Not recommended for consumption; has antibiotic and antitumor properties.

Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)

Cap size ranges from 3 to 12 inches across, oyster-shell shaped.
Colors vary from white/silver/grey in warm weather to darker tan/brown in cool weather.
Gills are thin, white to cream-colored, running down a minimal stem.
Habitat: On living and dead tree stumps, logs, and occasionally buried roots.
Edible mushroom, often used as a chicken substitute in various dishes. Grows nearly year-round.

Turkey Tail Fungus (Trametes versicolor)

Forms clusters of leathery, thin, multicolored brackets; semicircular cap (1 - 4 inches wide).
Features zones of black-green, gray-blue, gray-brown, and rust color.
Habitat: Grows on stumps and logs of deciduous trees, typically in groups.
Edible and medicinal; used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a remedy for liver cancer.

Wood Ear (Auricularia auricula)

Rusty tan to honey-colored, wrinkled and somewhat translucent; can grow up to 6 inches wide.
Gelatinous flesh that shrinks in dry weather.
Lacks gills or stem, attaches directly to surfaces.
Habitat: Found on various deciduous trees, logs, and branches, often all year round.
Edible in cuisine, can be dehydrated and rehydrated.

Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria variety formosa)

Typical mushroom shape with a pale yellow-orange cap (2¾ - 6 inches wide) covered in white warts.
Stalk grows up to 6 inches tall, white to pale yellow with an annulus.
White gills, annulus present on stalk.
Habitat: Typically found under conifers in summer and fall.
Highly toxic, known for its hallucinogenic properties.

Conservation

Decrease in mushroom species populations reported, particularly in Illinois forests.
Main threat: Habitat degradation from urbanization and agriculture.
Conservation measures necessary for management and protection of mushrooms.
Importance of research to determine remaining species and habitat requirements.
Amateur mycologists can contribute through observation and documentation.
Recommendations include utilizing field guides, keeping observation journals, and forming mushroom clubs.

Mushroom Facts

Ancient Greeks believed mushrooms formed from Zeus’s lightning.
Estimated 1.5 million fungi species globally; only around 80,000 described.
Largest organism is a honey mushroom in Oregon, spans 3.5 miles and is over 2,400 years old.
Giant puffballs can bear over 7 trillion spores.
Spores can be observed via spore prints on paper.
Mushrooms contain chitin in cell walls, similar to insects and crustaceans.
Some mushrooms exhibit bioluminescence, contributing to phenomena like "foxfire."
Six million tons of cultivated mushrooms consumed annually; they are the fifth-largest U.S. crop.
Fungi are more genetically similar to animals than plants; they cannot produce food independently.
In Illinois, only a dozen safe-to-eat mushrooms exist alongside several poisonous varieties.
Illinois lacks a designated state mushroom despite other state symbol designations.

Anatomy of Moths and Butterflies

Unique compound eyes with numerous lenses focused on narrow areas of the environment.
Proboscis is crucial for nectar extraction; coiled and tubular, resembling a straw when extended.
Adult moths and butterflies lack chewing mouthparts, relying instead on their proboscis for liquid sustenance.

Life Cycle

Both insects undergo complete metamorphosis, classified as holometabolous, with four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis/cocoon), and adult.
Female lays eggs in various arrangements, leading to varying hatching times across species.
Caterpillars grow by molting several times, with each stage referred to as an instar.
Pupal stage is a non-feeding resting period before the adult emerges.

Differences Between Butterflies and Moths

Butterflies typically have bright, vibrant wing colors; moths may have duller appearances, though exceptions exist.
Wing position at rest distinguishes them: butterflies hold wings vertically, moths keep them flat.
Antennae differences: butterflies have knobbed tips, moths possess plumose (feather-like) antennae.

Activity Patterns

Butterflies are primarily diurnal (active during the day), while moths are mostly nocturnal.
Exceptions include the diurnal Hummingbird Moth, which feeds on nectar during the day.

Life Cycle Protection

Moths create silk cocoons to protect their pupae, while butterflies develop chrysalises with hard, smooth exteriors.
Both structures serve to safeguard their species during the vulnerable pupal stage.

Characteristics and Classification

Both insects feature three body segments: head, thorax, and abdomen, with a total of six jointed legs and two pairs of wings.
Generational comparisons: Cecropia Moth is univoltine (one generation/year), Monarch Butterfly is multivoltine (up to four generations/year).

Conservation Importance

Moths and butterflies play vital roles in ecosystems as pollinators and indicators of environmental health.
Habitats for both are at risk due to urban development and pesticide use, leading to declining populations.

Specific Species Characteristics

Cecropia Moth: Univoltine; prominent in hardwood forests of the U.S. and Canada.
Luna Moth: Generational cycle varies by climate; active in deciduous forests.
Imperial Moth: Colorful species found from Argentina to Canada; one to two generations based on region.
Polyphemus Moth: Lives in diverse habitats; generates one to four times a year.
IO Moth: Defined by coloration differences between sexes; one to two generations annually based on location.

Butterfly Larval Food Plants

Black Swallowtail: Feeds on carrots, parsley, dill.
Monarch Butterfly: Prefers milkweed.
Viceroy: Uses pussy willow, plums, cherries for larval development.

Moth Larval Food Plants

Luna Moth: Thrives on a variety of hardwoods like hickory and walnut.
Polyphemus Moth: Feeds on multiple tree species, including birch and ash.

Butterfly Nectar Sources

Cultivated: Daisies, marigolds, zinnias.
Wildflowers: Black-eyed Susan, thistles, butterfly weed.
Shrubs and Trees: Butterfly bush, fruit trees, blueberries.

Study Guide Responsibility

Identification and understanding of features of butterflies and moths included in the study material are essential for comprehensive study.

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Description

This quiz explores the fascinating world of mushrooms, including both edible and non-edible varieties. Discover how to differentiate between dangerous and harmless mushrooms, and learn about the diverse kingdom of fungi. Gain knowledge essential for safe mushroom identification.