Identification
Orange funnel-shaped caps in clusters on wood; sharp true gills running down the stem; flesh pale. A Mediterranean/southern species — known as a chanterelle lookalike for southern foragers.
Why it is dangerous
Contains illudin: severe vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea within hours. Recoveries are typical but the course is harsh — and in the dark the gills faintly glow, hence the name.
How not to confuse it
| Feature | Chanterelle | Jack-o'-lantern |
|---|---|---|
| Underside | blunt ridges | sharp true gills |
| Growth | soil, mycorrhizal | wood, clusters |
| Flesh | dense, fruity smell | pale, no aroma |