Source-reviewed species profile
Lobster mushroom Hypomyces lactifluorum
The host mushroom is covered by a hard bright orange-red crust that distorts gills and cap. This profile covers broad field features, season and habitat for learning.
Where can I find lobster mushroom?
On soil where the parasite attacks milkcaps and russulas in woodland.
In Mycoverse you can select Lobster mushroom and compare candidate search areas using a species-specific assessment of rainfall, estimated soil moisture, temperature, forest type, tree signals, canopy cover, terrain and season. Where source coverage is available, the assessment also uses historical species observations. Historical observations are historical data, not recent finds.
Images, text and app suggestions cannot confirm a species or food safety.
Field features
- The host mushroom is covered by a hard bright orange-red crust that distorts gills and cap.
Habitat and search guidance
On soil where the parasite attacks milkcaps and russulas in woodland.
Months
June–November
Safety status
Not presented as food. Never use the app to decide whether a mushroom is safe to eat. Not presented as a food mushroom. This profile supports learning and safer boundaries; it does not approve a finding.
Sources and review status
- MushroomExpert.Com – species account
- USDA Forest Service – North American Fungi Protochecklist
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy
Last reviewed: 4 October 2026.