Rubroboletus satanas (Satan's bolete) — Poisonous Mushroom

Korean name: 마귀그물버섯

A large poisonous bolete known as Satan's bolete. Its flesh turns blue when cut, and it contains strong gastrointestinal toxins.

Key facts

• Category: Poisonous mushroom
• Toxicity: Poisonous — do not eat. Keep children and pets away.
• Native to: Europe, Korea, Japan
• Traits: Blue-staining, Large, Red pores, Bolete, GI toxin
• Also known as: Boletus satanas, Satan's bolete, Devil's bolete

Toxicity, identification & first aid

• Toxic symptoms: Contains gastrointestinal toxins. Even a small amount causes severe nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea; worse when eaten raw.
• Appearance: Cap 10–30 cm, off-white to pale yellow. Pores and lower stem blood-red. Turns blue immediately when cut.
• Where found: Near broadleaf trees (oak, beech) on chalky, limestone soil.
• Season: Summer to autumn (July–October)
• Look-alike warning: Edible blue-staining boletes (non-toxic) and slippery jack-type boletes (edible).
• Emergency action: Call emergency services (119 in Korea) and go to the ER immediately. Be extra careful with brightly colored blue-staining boletes. Do not induce vomiting.

Common questions

Can you eat Rubroboletus satanas?

No. Rubroboletus satanas is poisonous. Contains gastrointestinal toxins. Even a small amount causes severe nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea; worse when eaten raw.

What does Rubroboletus satanas look like and where does it grow?

Cap 10–30 cm, off-white to pale yellow. Pores and lower stem blood-red. Turns blue immediately when cut. Near broadleaf trees (oak, beech) on chalky, limestone soil. Summer to autumn (July–October)

What can Rubroboletus satanas be mistaken for?

Edible blue-staining boletes (non-toxic) and slippery jack-type boletes (edible).

What should you do if someone eats Rubroboletus satanas?

Call emergency services (119 in Korea) and go to the ER immediately. Be extra careful with brightly colored blue-staining boletes. Do not induce vomiting.