Bolete eater

Description:

The Bolete eater is a parasitic ascomycete fungus that grows on bolete mushrooms. It infects boletes, initially with a thin whitish layer which then becomes golden and finally a reddish brown pimpled appearance. The bolete's flesh softens and is putrescent by the third stage. Single or multiple boletes may be infected, members of Paxillus and Rhizopogon are also attacked.

Habitat:

Hypomyces chrysospermus is found in North America, and Europe, where it is common. It is common in the southwest of Western Australia, where it is found in forest and coastal plant communities.

Notes:

Spotted on an unidentified bolete in National Park De Hoge Veluwe, Holland.