Devil's fingers

Clathrus archeri
Inedible
Devil's fingers
Photo: Holger Krisp, CC BY, Wikimedia Commons
Devil's fingers
Photo: Maryna Burlaka, CC BY, iNaturalist
Devil's fingers
Photo: Victoria Zorko, CC0, iNaturalist

Never identify a mushroom from a photo alone. If in doubt, leave it. In case of poisoning call 112 (103 in Ukraine) at once.

About

Clathrus archeri is the most bizarre mushroom of the Carpathian forests. Initially, it resembles a whitish or pinkish 'egg' 3–5 cm in size, half-buried in the ground. Then the shell splits, and within a few hours, four to eight red arms up to 10 cm long unfold. At first, they are connected at the tips, then spread out like a star and bend back, resembling the tentacles of an octopus.

The inner side of the arms is covered with dark olive slime containing spores, which has a strong smell of carrion. The odor attracts flies: they land on the mushroom, consume the slime, and disperse the spores. Within a day or two, the fruiting body wilts.

The species is native to Australia and New Zealand. It arrived in Europe in the early 20th century, likely with wool or soil, and has since spread across the continent. In Ukraine, it was first found in Transcarpathia in the 1970s. Currently, it is common in the Ukrainian Carpathians: naturalists record it in forest clearings, edges, pastures, meadows, and parks, most often from July to October.

Previously, Clathrus archeri was listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, but in 2021 it was removed: it is an alien species that successfully spreads on its own.

The mushroom is inedible. It is safe to touch, although the smell lingers on the hands. If you find an 'egg', do not dig it up — it is better to return the next day and see how it has opened.

Where in the Carpathians

fewermore60 records in the Carpathians

Orange — where naturalists recorded the species (GBIF, CC0/CC BY). It occurs only locally, so we draw no approximate range; a blank area does not mean it is absent.

Countries
Ukraine · Poland · Czechia · Romania · Slovakia
Mountain ranges
Pokuttia-Bukovina Carpathians, Rivna Polonyna, Skole Beskids, Vihorlat-Gutin Volcanic Ridge, Maramureș Mountains
Altitude belts
Foothills (below 600 m) · Beech forests (600–1200 m)

When to see it

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sightings

From naturalists’ observations in the Carpathians (iNaturalist, research grade): the darker the cell, the more often the species is seen that month.

Safety

Inedible. Safe to touch, but the slime has a persistent unpleasant odor.

Protection and rules

Not listed in the Red Book of Ukraine: in 2021, the species was removed from the list as an alien.

FAQ

What is the red mushroom that looks like an octopus growing in the Carpathians?

This is Clathrus archeri — a mushroom of Australian origin with red arms and a smell of carrion.

Is Clathrus archeri listed in the Red Book?

No, it was in the Red Book of Ukraine, but it was removed from the list in 2021.

Is Clathrus archeri dangerous?

No, it is safe to touch. The mushroom is inedible and has an unpleasant smell.

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Similar species

Fly agaricPoisonousFly agaricAmanita muscariaThe red cap with white flakes is the most famous poisonous mushroom. Common in spruce and birch forests of the Carpathians from July to October.
Common puffballEdibleCommon puffballLycoperdon perlatumA white 'ball' with small spines on forest paths. Edible only when young, while the flesh inside is pure white and homogeneous.
Coral tooth fungusEdibleRed Data Book of UkraineCoral tooth fungusHericium coralloidesThe white 'coral' fungus with thin hanging spines on dead wood. A species from the Red Book of Ukraine — admire it, collecting is prohibited.

Where to meet it

Trails

Opryshky RoadEasyOne-dayMarkedOpryshky RoadElevation profile628–754 m2.5 kmascent 63 m≈ 45 min walkingMedvezhyi tract – Mount KuratulEasyOne-dayMarkedMedvezhyi tract Mount KuratulElevation profile647–1 123 m5.6 kmascent 476 m≈ 2 h walkingNo. 5007 Morshyn: Nordic walkingEasyOne-dayMarkedNo. 5007 Morshyn: Nordic walkingElevation profile347–381 m3.2 kmascent 31 m≈ 45 min walkingNo. 5008 Morshyn: Nordic walkingEasyOne-dayMarkedNo. 5008 Morshyn: Nordic walkingElevation profile333–372 m3.6 kmascent 23 m≈ 60 min walkingKosmach village, via Mount Rotylo, Mount Hrehit and Mount Bila Kobyla to Bukovets villageHardTwo-dayKosmach village to Bukovets villagevia Mount Rotylo, Mount Hrehit +1Elevation profile615–1 474 m40.2 kmascent 2 290 m≈ 14 h walkingNo. 5006 Morshyn: Nordic walkingEasyOne-dayMarkedNo. 5006 Morshyn: Nordic walkingElevation profile333–370 m3.1 kmascent 43 m≈ 45 min walking
No. 5005 Morshyn: Nordic walkingEasyOne-dayMarkedNo. 5005 Morshyn: Nordic walkingElevation profile337–357 m2.1 kmascent 14 m≈ 30 min walkingKosmach village – Mount Hrehit – Kosmach villageHardOne-dayMarkedKosmach village loopvia Mount HrehitElevation profile584–1 470 m22 kmascent 936 m≈ 7 h walkingSpring – KosivEasyOne-dayMarkedSpring KosivElevation profile369–474 m2.3 kmascent 96 m≈ 45 min walkingDubovyi Hai base, via Chorni Mlaky tract to Stuzhytsia villageModerateOne-dayMarkedDubovyi Hai base to Stuzhytsia villagevia Chorni Mlaky tractElevation profile275–975 m15.1 kmascent 794 m≈ 5 h walkingMount Ostryi – Mount Mykhalkiv (yellow trail)ModerateOne-dayMarkedMount Ostryi Mount Mykhalkiv (yellow trail)Elevation profile382–812 m7.7 kmascent 652 m≈ 3 h walkingMount Ostryi – Mount Mykhalkiv (blue trail)EasyOne-dayMarkedMount Ostryi Mount Mykhalkiv (blue trail)Elevation profile477–700 m3.4 kmascent 274 m≈ 1.5 h walking

Mountain ranges: Pokuttia-Bukovina Carpathians, Rivna Polonyna, Skole Beskids, Vihorlat-Gutin Volcanic Ridge, Maramureș Mountains

Trails and peaks near which naturalists recorded the species (GBIF, iNaturalist), matched by altitude and habitat. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Sources

GBIF · iNaturalist · Wikidata · Distribution data: GBIF.org (CC0 and CC BY records), iNaturalist; names and identifiers: Wikidata (CC0). Text: Karpaty.rocks, checked 11.11.2026.