A mycologist asked to consult on a mushroom poisoning case will likely request that a photograph of the mushroom be sent to them. The photograph should be in focus and not underexposed. As mentioned on the last page, mushroom samples should not be stored in plastic bags. Mushrooms are approximately 92% water. Since plastic bags retain moisture, the excess dampness in the bag will accelerate the deterioration of the mushroom making it more difficult or impossible to identify. Photographs of the mushroom should show the cap, gills or pores, and the entire stalk (see examples). One should also be prepared to knowledgeably answer, if requested, any additional questions about the habitat where the mushroom was found. This can provide crucial data for identification. It has been aptly said by one consultant that: "There are no silly questions, but unfortunately there are a lot of silly answers."
The attached photographs show a mushroom’s cap, gills, and entire stalk. Notice that the gills are slightly green. This would alert the consultant this was a green-spored Lepiota called Chlorophyllum molybdites, a toxic fungus.
