What is panaeolus subbalteatus?

Panaeolus subbalteatus, also known as the banded mottlegill, is a species of mushrooms in the family Bolbitiaceae. It is a widespread and common species found in grassy areas, lawns, and meadows, often growing in clusters or rings.

These mushrooms have a distinctive appearance with a brown or tan cap that is convex when young, becoming flat or slightly depressed with age. The cap is often streaked or banded with darker markings, giving it a mottled appearance.

Panaeolus subbalteatus is a saprotrophic fungus, meaning it feeds on decaying organic matter in the soil. It is considered to be a hallucinogenic species, containing psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin, although the concentrations are typically low compared to other psychedelic mushrooms.

These mushrooms are not considered to be particularly toxic or harmful, but consuming them for their psychoactive effects can be risky due to variability in potency and potential adverse reactions. It is important to properly identify any wild mushrooms before consuming them and to use caution when experimenting with psychoactive substances.