Clathrus archeri: The Devil’s Fingers Fungus - 15-05-2025

If you walk through a forest and see something red, finger-like, and smelling like rotting meat, don’t worry — it's probably not an alien. It's Clathrus archeri, also known as Devil’s Fingers, one of the strangest fungi on Earth.

Why is it called "Devil’s Fingers"?

When it matures, it emerges from a white, egg-like structure and unfolds 4 to 8 red arms covered in a dark, sticky substance. This goo smells like decaying flesh, attracting flies and insects that help spread its spores.

Where does it come from?

Originally from Australia and New Zealand, Clathrus archeri has now spread to parts of Europe, North America, and Asia.

Fun Facts

• It’s a saprophytic fungus, feeding on decaying organic matter.
• The smell is used to attract insects for spore dispersal.
• In its early stage, it looks like a soft, white egg.

Safe to touch, but not to eat

Devil’s Fingers is not poisonous, but it’s not considered edible due to its foul smell and taste.

Nature never stops surprising us — and Clathrus archeri is living proof!