Amanita pantherina (Panther cap) — Poisonous Mushroom
Korean name: 마귀광대버섯
A brown-capped mushroom with white spots and a powerful neurotoxin. It is more toxic than the fly agaric and causes nervous-system symptoms and hallucinations.
Key facts
- Category: Poisonous mushroom
- Toxicity: Poisonous — do not eat. Keep children and pets away.
- Native to: Temperate regions worldwide
- Traits: Neurotoxin, Brown cap, White spots, Amanita, Hallucinogen
- Also known as: Panther cap
Toxicity, identification & first aid
- Toxic symptoms: High levels of ibotenic acid and muscimol (stronger than fly agaric). Nausea, sweating, confusion, seizures and breathing problems within 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Appearance: Cap 5–12 cm, brown to yellow-brown with white warty spots. White stem with a ring and a volva.
- Where found: Broadleaf and mixed forests, found in mountain forests nationwide.
- Season: Spring to autumn (May–October)
- Look-alike warning: Edible parasol-type mushrooms (brown cap but no white spots) and other spotted Amanitas.
- Emergency action: Call emergency services (119 in Korea) and go to the ER immediately. Hospital treatment for neurotoxic poisoning is needed. Do not induce vomiting.
Common questions
Can you eat Amanita pantherina?
No. Amanita pantherina is poisonous. High levels of ibotenic acid and muscimol (stronger than fly agaric). Nausea, sweating, confusion, seizures and breathing problems within 30 minutes to 2 hours.
What does Amanita pantherina look like and where does it grow?
Cap 5–12 cm, brown to yellow-brown with white warty spots. White stem with a ring and a volva. Broadleaf and mixed forests, found in mountain forests nationwide. Spring to autumn (May–October)
What can Amanita pantherina be mistaken for?
Edible parasol-type mushrooms (brown cap but no white spots) and other spotted Amanitas.
What should you do if someone eats Amanita pantherina?
Call emergency services (119 in Korea) and go to the ER immediately. Hospital treatment for neurotoxic poisoning is needed. Do not induce vomiting.