Devil'S Dipstick
ExploreFungi
Devil'S Dipstick
mutinus elegans
The Devil's Dipstick, scientifically known as Mutinus elegans, is a fascinating and bizarre member of the stinkhorn family of fungi. Emerging from a gelatinous, egg-like sac, this fungus rapidly grows into a vibrant, slender, pink-to-orange stalk. It is famous for its foul-smelling, olive-brown slime at the tip, which emits an odor of rotting meat to attract flies and beetles that aid in dispersing its spores. Despite its unsettling appearance and scent, it plays a vital ecological role as a decomposer, turning tough woody material back into rich nutrients for the soil. It is a common and surprising find in suburban gardens, hardwood forests, and landscaped yards, often appearing overnight after warm summer rains.
Habitat: Found in mulched garden beds, parks, lawns, and deciduous woodlands, typically growing on decaying wood chips or rich organic soil.
Appearance
This fungus features a slender, hollow, spongy stalk that grows up to 18 cm tall and about 1.5 cm thick, tapering towards a pointed tip. The stalk ranges in color from bright reddish-orange to pale pinkish-red near the base. The upper third of the stalk is covered in a sticky, slimy, olive-green to dark brown spore mass known as the gleba, which has a distinctively foul, carrion-like odor. It emerges from a whitish, egg-like cup at the soil surface, with white rhizomorphs anchored in the substrate.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderPhallalesFamilyPhallaceaeGenusMutinus
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its spores are not dispersed by wind like most other fungi; they rely entirely on the digestive tracts and feet of insects to spread.
The genus name Mutinus is derived from Mutunus Tutunus, a Roman phallic marriage deity, referencing the fungus's suggestive shape.
While the mature stinkhorn smells terrible, the immature 'egg' stage is technically edible and lacks the foul odor, though it is not considered choice.
Special abilities
Ability
Mimicry of Decay
Produces a chemical cocktail that perfectly mimics the odor of decaying flesh to lure carrion insects for spore dispersal.
Ability
Rapid Turgor Growth
Can expand from its subterranean egg-like state to a full-sized stalk in just a few hours using hydraulic pressure.
Ability
Wood Decomposition
Possesses powerful extracellular enzymes that break down complex lignin and cellulose in woody materials.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 6-18 cm
- Weight
- 0.01-0.05 kg
Diet & Feeding
As a saprobic fungus, it breaks down and absorbs complex organic compounds from decaying wood, mulch, and leaf litter.
Primary Foods
- Decaying wood chips
- Forest mulch
- Fallen leaves
- Rotting tree roots
Ecological connections
mutualism
Common Greenbottle Fly
Lucilia caesar
Attracted by the putrid scent, this fly consumes the spore-laden gleba and disperses the spores to new habitats via its feet and droppings.
host plant
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
Serves as a primary food and substrate source, with the fungus actively decomposing its fallen wood debris.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Devil'S Dipstick?
The easiest way to identify Devil'S Dipstick is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Devil'S Dipstick?
6-18 cm
How much does Devil'S Dipstick weigh?
0.01-0.05 kg
What does Devil'S Dipstick eat?
As a saprobic fungus, it breaks down and absorbs complex organic compounds from decaying wood, mulch, and leaf litter.
Where is Devil'S Dipstick usually found?
Found in mulched garden beds, parks, lawns, and deciduous woodlands, typically growing on decaying wood chips or rich organic soil.
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