Suillus cavipes

The genus Suillus

The genus Suillus belongs to the order Boletales, has distinctive features that are shared by many of the different Suillus species. These middle-sized fungi have a firm, cylindrical stem that often has a ring resulting from the remains from the partial vail (the membrane that protects the spore producing pores under the cap as the mushroom develops). The caps of most species are slimy or slippery, especially after rain, and have pore like structures on the underside which range in colour from yellow, light orange to olive green or even grey shades. The spore colour of this genus is usually cinnamon brown to chocolate brown. The name ‘Suillus’ comes from the Latin noun sus meaning pig. Hence, Suillus means ‘of pigs’ and refers to its greasy cap which is shared by the different Suillus species.

Suillus cavipes

Like S. grevillei this is another larch associate. Its large pores, roughly scaly dry cap (usually much rougher than S. variegatus) and hollow stem (unique to this species of Suillus in Scotland), along with its ecology, are giveaway features so once you’ve seen it you won’t forget it.

Season:

Suillus cavipes can be found between June and November but the vast majority of records are between August and October.

Habitat:

Occurs under larch.

Distribution:

S. cavipes appears to have a much more localised distribution than the other larch associate S. grevillea but isn’t uncommon within these areas, particularly in Ross-shire

Similar species

The other species of Suillus are relatively easy to differentiate from S. cavipes. See their profiles in the Fungus of the Month index page.

There are two other main groups of fungi that have a central stem and pores instead of gills:

Boletus species have dry caps and normally a network pattern on stem e.g. Cep.

Leccinum species have stems that are covered in small scales of varying colours, dry caps and associated with broadleaf trees e.g. Orange Birch Bolete.

Please remember to submit your records to your local recording group or via the Scottish Fungi online recording form.

By Dave Genney

September 2016

Suillus cavipes. Note the hollow stems in the lower two photos (by D. Genney)

Suillus cavipes distribution map

The National Biodiversity Network Gateway records from FRDBI andHBRG datasets are shown on the above map but note that more recent records may be available via the Gateway (see terms and conditions at http://data.nbn.org.uk). Data providers and the NBN Trust bear no responsibility for any further analysis or interpretation of the information in the map.

Note also that additional records may be available on the Association of British Fungus Groups CATE2 database, but these are not available via the NBN Gateway.