Extract from Wikipedia article: Hypomyces lactifluorum, the lobster mushroom, contrary to its common name, is not a mushroom, but rather a parasitic ascomycete fungus that grows on certain species of mushrooms, turning them a reddish orange color that resembles the outer shell of a cooked lobster. H. lactifluorum specifically attacks members of the genera Lactarius and Lactifluus (milk-caps), and Russula (brittlegills), such as Russula brevipes and Lactifluus piperatus in North America. At maturity, H. lactifluorum thoroughly covers its host, rendering it unidentifiable. Lobster mushrooms are widely eaten and enjoyed fresh. They are commercially marketed and sometimes found in grocery stores; they have been made available at markets in Oregon. They have a seafood-like flavor and a firm, dense texture.
Hypomyces lactifluorum is a parasitic fungus that infects insects, particularly beetles, in the family Scarabaeidae. In East and Central Texas, it has been found to commonly infest larvae of the green June beetle, Cotinis nitida, and other related species. The fungus grows externally on the insect's body, eventually killing it, and produces a bright orange to yellowish fruiting body that resembles a small, rounded cushion or pad. Infected insects are often found in soil, under leaf litter, or on vegetation, particularly in areas with rich soil and high humidity, such as near streams, rivers, and woodland edges.
Lobster mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum) on some white milkcap mushroom found near a fallen pine on Lone Star Hiking Trail near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, January 22, 2022 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Tiny pimples on the surface of lobster mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum) on Lone Star Hiking Trail near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, January 22, 2022 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Lobster mushrooms (Hypomyces lactifluorum) 50 meters south-west from Trailhead No. 3 on Lone Star Hiking Trail near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, January 22, 2022 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Group of lobster mushrooms (Hypomyces lactifluorum) on large white milkcap mushrooms under pines on Lone Star Hiking Trail near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, January 22, 2022 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Cross section of a lobster mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum) growing on milkcap on Lone Star Hiking Trail near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, January 22, 2022 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Close-up of suface of a lobster mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum) on Lone Star Hiking Trail near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, January 22, 2022 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Underside of a lobster mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum) on Lone Star Hiking Trail near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, January 22, 2022 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Side view of a lobster mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum) on Lone Star Hiking Trail near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, January 22, 2022 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Lobster mushrooms (Hypomyces lactifluorum) found almost hidden under pine litter on Lone Star Hiking Trail near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, January 22, 2022 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Lobster mushrooms (Hypomyces lactifluorum) found among pine needles 50 meters south-west from Trailhead No. 3 on Lone Star Hiking Trail near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, January 22, 2022 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Tissue of a lobster mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum) under a microscope in iodine solution collected near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, January 22, 2022
Spindle-shaped spores of a lobster mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum) under a microscope collected near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, January 23, 2022
Spindle-shaped spores of a lobster mushrooms (Hypomyces lactifluorum) collected near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, January 24, 2022
Spores of lobster mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum) at low magnification collected in Sam Houston National Forest 1/22/2022. College Station, Texas, February 9, 2022
Spores of lobster mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum) collected in Sam Houston National Forest 1/22/2022. College Station, Texas, February 9, 2022 Spore size 25.2 - 31.3 × 6.2 - 7 µm, length to width ratio Q = 3.6 - 4.8.
AI-generated summary of observations
Observations of Hypomyces lactifluorum in East and Central Texas reveal its presence on white milkcap mushrooms near fallen pines and under pine litter. The fungus was found in groups on large white milkcap mushrooms, with tiny pimples on its surface. Cross-sections showed the fungus growing on the milkcap, and close-ups revealed details of its surface and underside. Spores were observed to be spindle-shaped under a microscope, both in iodine solution and at low magnification. The fungus was found hidden under pine litter and among pine needles, indicating a preference for shaded, forested areas. Multiple observations were made on the Lone Star Hiking Trail near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest, with additional examination of spores in College Station, Texas.