Content
Woodpecker nova is an inedible, hallucinogenic mushroom of the Psatirell family. It grows among deciduous trees in fertile soil. It begins to bear fruit from the beginning of August, it lasts until the first frost. Since the species is not eaten, you need to know a detailed description, view photos and videos.
Where does woodpecker dung grow
Dung beetle can be found on rotten wood. It prefers to grow on nutritious soil, both on plains and on hills. Woodpecker dung begins to bear fruit from the end of summer, you can see the mushroom in the forest until the first days of November.
What does a woodpecker dung look like?
The hat reaches 10 cm and at a young age has the shape of a cylinder or cone, then it takes the form of a bell. The edges of old specimens rise upward, exposing the lamellar layer.
Young woodpecker dung beetle completely hides a snow-white velvety blanket, as it grows, it collapses, leaving large whitish flakes. The surface is covered with a smooth white skin with pronounced dark stripes. The pulp is tender, thin, white or pale pink in color.
The spore layer is formed by convex, non-fused plates. In young specimens, they are whitish, with age they become gray-yellow and dark brown. Woodpecker dung reproduces by elongated spores, which are located in dark brown or black powder.
The dense leg is high, reaching a height of 15 cm. The shape is cylindrical, thinning from above and thickening towards the base. The surface is covered with a whitish skin with rare flaky scales. There is no ring on the leg. The pulp of a woodpecker dung beetle does not change color with mechanical damage.
Is it possible to eat woodpecker dung
This representative of the forest kingdom is considered hallucinogenic. The pulp exudes a characteristic resinous odor, no taste. When using this type, food poisoning, mental clouding, and even loss of consciousness can occur.
But if the woodpecker dung somehow got on the table, you need to be able to distinguish between the symptoms of poisoning and provide first aid.
Similar species
Woodpecker dung coprinuspicaceus has a beautiful appearance, so it is very difficult to confuse it with other species. But inexperienced mushroom pickers manage to confuse it with representatives such as:
- Dunghill gray or ink - an inedible brother with a cylindrical ash-gray hat and a long hollow leg. It grows in deciduous forests, begins to bear fruit from the end of summer. Causes stomach upset when eaten.
- Shaggy dung - an edible representative of the forest kingdom. But, in order not to harm your body, only young fruit bodies are collected, while their plates are whitish.The mushroom can be recognized by its oblong shape, painted white with large scales. With age, they become dark gray or black in color. They grow in large families within the city and in basements. They prefer fertile, nitrogenous soil. Fruiting from spring until the first frost.
- Snow-white dung - an inedible representative with an egg-shaped cap covered with a white powdery bloom. The whitish leg is long, swollen, rough. Since the appearance is very attractive, and there is no unpleasant smell, many people mistake it for an edible specimen. If signs of intoxication appear when eating this type of food, it is better to consult a doctor.
Poisoning symptoms and first aid
Woodpecker dung is an inedible, hallucinogenic species. Causes stomach upset and confusion when eaten. When collecting mushrooms, it is better to pass by unknown specimens, but if this species accidentally falls into the basket, and then on the table, then you need to know the signs of poisoning. Symptoms depend on the amount of mushrooms eaten and are divided into mild, moderate and severe stages.
Light degree:
- nausea, vomiting;
- pain in the epigastric region;
- diarrhea up to 20 times a day.
The first symptoms appear 1-2 hours after eating. In the process of dehydration, the condition worsens, up to fainting.
Average degree:
- temperature increase;
- cold, clammy sweat;
- yellowness of the skin;
- enlargement of the liver.
These symptoms appear after a few days if first aid was not provided or if woodpecker dung was consumed with alcohol.
Severe:
- agitation or lethargy;
- hallucinations;
- lowering blood pressure;
- heart palpitations;
- muscle pain;
- convulsions;
- transition into unconsciousness, up to death.
If signs of poisoning appear, it is necessary to provide first aid in a timely manner. Before the ambulance arrives, you must:
- flush the stomach;
- give activated charcoal (1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight);
- if there is no diarrhea, give laxatives;
- to improve blood circulation to the legs and stomach, put heat;
- open the vents and free the victim from tightening clothing for a better supply of fresh air;
- give the patient as much water as possible.
Conclusion
Woodpecker dung is an inedible, hallucinogenic representative of the mushroom kingdom. It grows among deciduous trees, on humus-enriched soil. Begins fruiting at the end of summer. When picking mushrooms, it must be remembered that inedible mushrooms cause food poisoning, therefore, when you see an unfamiliar specimen, it is better to pass by.
