Amanita muscaria identification

Psychoactive Amanitas are mushrooms which contain the psychoactive chemicals ibotenic acid and muscimol. They have a long history of use in Asia and Northern Europe. They are best known for their distinctive appearance (bright reds and yellows with white spots).

The following varieties of Fly agaric mushrooms are generally accepted, many more are reconized but we will keep it to the most popular:

Amanita muscaria cothurnata is white often with a yellowish center and has white spots. It's margin is somewhat radially lined. Its Cap is 2.5-10 cm (1-4") in diameter, hemispherical to convex, becoming nearly flat to somewhat sunken; Its surface is slightly sticky but smooth. Ranges from New York to Florida, west to Michigan

Amanita muscaria flavivolvata is a variety of red Fly Agaric. Its Cap is bright to blood red with a yellowish universal veil. This universal veil will entirely cover the youngest mushrooms, will form yellowish spots or warts on mature mushrooms, and may eventually wash or wear off with age. These spots often form concentric circles, although they may also appear randomly. Common in Western North America. Has a more southern distribution than some other A. muscaria varieties, but still quite common in northern California.

Amanita muscaria formosa is the yellow-orange Fly Agaric mushroom. Its Cap is 5-15 cm (2-6") in diameter, convex to flat, and is yellow, deep orange, or red-orange. Dominant A. muscaria in eastern North America. Common in the Sierra Nevadas but rare in the western Coastal ranges.

Amanita muscaria gemmata is creamy to plae yellow, golden-yellow, or buff, often slightly darker at the center. Its Cap is 4-10 cm (2-4") in diameter, broad, rounded becoming convex to plane. Its surface is slightly viscid when moist. Ranges from Rocky Mountains to the West Coast; Rare in East.

Amanita muscaria regalis is a variety of red Fly Agaric. Its Cap is dark red to reddish brown. Very little is known of this Amanita variety, Its known to occur in Europe and Alaska. It is listed in some field guides as occuring only in France. Uncommon to non existant in lower United States (?).

In addition, a subspecies with an orange-yellow cap has been described from Central America known as Amanita mexicana.  Amanita muscaria is also sometimes confused with the Panther mushroom known as Amanita pantherina which has a Cap that is 4-15 cm (2-6") in diameter, round, becoming convex to flat or slightly sunken. Its color ranges from dark to light brown, tan to dull yellowish. Often dark in the center, lightening towards to outside, and cap edges may be blackish, sooty, or yellowish-brown.Widely distributed, but especially common under conifers from the Rocky Mountains westward. The most common of all Amanitas in the Pacific Northwest and Sierra Nevadas. Rare in the East..