Devil's Bolete
Distribution
Central and southern Europe (France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and the Balkans). Rare in Britain, limited to southern England's chalky regions. Also found in North Africa and parts of the Middle East.
Habitat
Mycorrhizal with mature oak (Quercus) and beech (Fagus) trees. Strongly favors alkaline/calcareous soils. Found in warm, deciduous woodlands on chalk and limestone.
Season
Late summer and autumn (July to October).
Toxin Type
Bolesatine, boletusin
Symptoms
Overview: Severe gastrointestinal poisoning without the delayed phases seen in amatoxin poisoning. Mechanism: Bolesatine inhibits protein synthesis. The exact mechanism of GI toxicity is not fully characterized. Onset: Relatively rapid onset compared to amatoxin poisoning. Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, stomach pains, vomiting (sickness), nausea, and dehydration. Can cause bloody diarrhea in severe cases. Symptoms are intense and debilitating but usually self-limiting with supportive care. Treatment: Supportive care with aggressive IV rehydration, electrolyte management, and symptom management.