Hypomyces lactifluorum (Schw. ex Fr.) Tul. Lobster Mushroom. This is a mold-like parasitic fungus found only on species of white russula and lactarius mushrooms, e.g., Russula brevipes and Lactarius piperatus. The fungus completely covers its host mushroom with a vivid orange to cinnabar-red coating which has minute pustules when viewed under a lens. Each bump is a flask-like vessel in which the spores are produced (perithecium). The gills of the host mushroom are almost completely aborted by the parasite. Spores spindle-shaped, strongly warted, clear, 35-50 x 4-5µ; equally divided into 2 cells. Habitat in woods on white lactarius and russula mushrooms. Found throughout North America. Season July-September. Edible. This can be a delicious fungus, greatly improving the flavor of the host mushroom, but caution should be observed since accurate identification of the host is sometimes impossible; it just might parasitize a poisonous species.