Omphalotus illudens

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Omphalotus illudens
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Basidiomycota
Class:	Agaricomycetes
Order:	Agaricales
Family:	Omphalotaceae
Genus:	Omphalotus
Species:	O. illudens
Binomial name
Omphalotus illudens (Schwein.) Bresinsky & Besl

Omphalotus illudens Mycological characteristics
	Gills on hymenium
	Cap is infundibuliform
	Hymenium is decurrent
	Stipe is bare
	Spore print is yellow
	Ecology is saprotrophic
	Edibility is poisonous

Omphalotus illudens, commonly known as the eastern jack-o'lantern mushroom, is a large, orange mushroom that is often found in clumps on decaying stumps, buried roots, or at the base of hardwood trees in eastern North America. Its gills often exhibit a weak green bioluminescence when fresh. This green glow has been mentioned in several journal articles, which state that the phenomenon can persist up to 40–50 hours after the mushroom has been picked.^{[1][verification needed]} It is believed that this display serves to attract insects to the mushroom's gills during nighttime, which can then distribute its spores across a wider area.^[2]

Omphalotus illudens is sometimes confused with edible chanterelles, but can be distinguished by its thicker, fleshier appearance, tendency to form large clusters, and clearly separated caps when young. Unlike chanterelles, the Eastern jack-o'-lantern is poisonous to humans when eaten, whether raw or cooked, and typically causes vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. Although some older literature claims the name is synonymous with Omphalotus olearius, phylogenetic analysis confirms the two as distinct species.^[3]