Amanita muscaria variant: A. guessowii (fly agaric mushroom)

Amanita muscaria species contain the toxins muscimol and ibotenic acid. While occasionally causing euphoria more common effects include delirium, hyperactivity and coma. This sample was growing in the backyard of one of the Specialists in Poison Information for the Ruth Lawrence Poison and Drug Information Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Note the large red-orange cap of these mushrooms with the typical white plaques or spots. These mushrooms are also known as "fly agaric" mushrooms because of their ability to attract and kill flies that land on them.