How to identify Dappled Webcap

To correctly identify Dappled Webcap (Cortinarius bolaris), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   The cap is convex to flattened, with a dry surface covered in red scales or spots. The color ranges from pale yellow to ochre.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, and pale yellow to ochre, often developing reddish spots with age.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is cylindrical, dry, and covered in red scales or spots. The base may be slightly bulbous.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is pale yellow to ochre, sometimes with reddish tints near the surface.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Medium-sized mushroom with a distinctive red-spotted cap and stem.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Deciduous forests, particularly under oak and beech trees.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Dry, with red scales or spots

Growth Form

Solitary to scattered

Spore Print

Rusty brown

Body color

Pale yellow to ochre with red spots

Odor

Indistinct or slightly earthy

Flesh bruises

No significant bruising reaction

Height

5-12 cm

Cap Diameter

4-10 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to slightly decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Dry, with red scales or spots
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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