Fly agaric, also named fly amanita, is an attractive looking fungus that often appear in groups. It is a common sight in various woodlands and usually reoccurs in the same place for several years. Fly agaric is native throughout temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
The full-grown mushroom has a bright red cap with white spots and white gills. It can grow up to 20 cm across and has a savory smell.
Fly agaric is highly toxic, however, death due to ingestion is quite rare. When a small amount is eaten it will cause hallucinations and psychotic reactions.
The common name of this mushroom comes from its medieval use as an insecticide. The cap was broken up and sprinkled into saucers of milk. Fly agaric is known to contain ibotenic acid, which both attracts and kills flies.