Hypomyces lactifluorum
The Lobster Mushroom is a common mid to late summer
mushroom in northeast Kansas. Parasitic on other mushrooms, it has
been on the questionable edibility list for years. But since there
have apparently been no reports of any poisonings associated with this
mushroom and it is probably only parasitic to Russula or Lactarius species,
recent publications have generally listed it as edible. Certainly
the Kansas specimens have been delectable!
Even with its bright coloration, the Lobster
is frequently difficult to spot, as it may barely crack the soil surface.
But it does seem to fruit in the same area every year, at least in some
locations.
by Ron Meyers