Peacock cobweb (Cortinarius pavonius)
- Division: Basidiomycota (Basidiomycetes)
- Subdivision: Agaricomycotina (Agaricomycetes)
- Class: Agaricomycetes (Agaricomycetes)
- Subclass: Agaricomycetidae (Agaricomycetes)
- Order: Agaricales (Agaric or Lamellar)
- Family: Cortinariaceae (Spiderwebs)
- Genus: Cortinarius (Spiderweb)
- Type: Cortinarius pavonius (Peacock webweed)
The peacock cobweb is found in the forests of many European countries (Germany, France, Great Britain, Denmark, the Baltic countries). In our country, it grows in the European part, as well as in Siberia, in the Urals. Prefers to grow in mountainous and hilly areas, favorite tree is beech. Season – from the beginning of August to the end of September, less often – until October.
The fruiting body is the cap and stem. In young specimens, the hat has the shape of a ball, then it begins to straighten, becomes flat. In the center of the tubercle, the edges are strongly depressed, with cracks.
The surface of the cap is literally dotted with small scales, the color of which varies. In the peacock cobweb, the scales have a brick color.
The cap is attached to a thick and very strong stem, which also has scales.
The plates under the hat are frequent, have a fleshy structure, in young mushrooms the color is purple.
The pulp is slightly fibrous, there is no smell, the taste is neutral.
A feature of this species is the change in the color of the scales on the cap and leg. The cut of the pulp in the air quickly becomes yellow.
The mushroom is inedible, contains toxins dangerous to human health.