^u^ The return of the 'shroom ID sheets--here with two species of common but underrated bolete-type mushrooms!

Leccinum longicurvipes identification traits:
-A medium-sized mushroom with a brownish to brownish-yellow cap without scales or slimy texture.
-Pore surface is deeply free of the stem and typically whitish when fresh, turning slowly yellowish.
-The stem, like all Leccinum species, has strips of tissue and scabers decorating it. Along with typical scabers, the stem itself is incredibly long and tends to be gently curved or twisted.
-Grows mycorrhizally with particular pine and oak forests, typically never found without Pinus strobus.
-For those mushroom hunters that make use of common chemicals--this species has a bright red reaction to KOH.

This species is wildly common in the edges of the Great Plains and throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states, though not often gathered. I have found several this year already out of their normal August-September season.

Xerocomus/Boletus subtomentosus identification traits:
-The Suede Bolete or the Cracking Bolete typically has a cap that, when humid or moist, is soft and leathery in texture, but when dry tends to crack and splinter into plates and reveals the whitish-yellow flesh underneath.
-Nondescript appearance, typically brown-capped and brownish-stemmed with little to no reticulation.
-Pore surface is a medium yellow typically, becoming more ochre with age. Pores are often nearly free of the stem.
-Does not stain or bruise any colors when cut or pressed on.
-Grows mycorrhizally with a variety of deciduous hardwoods, typically in areas devoid of much conifer trees. Beeches, oaks, hawthorns, hickories and maples are all known partners of this summer-loving species.

The Suede Bolete has many names: "Boring Bolete", "Cracking Bolete", and it has a recent genus distinction into "Xerocomus" rather than the bloated Boletus genus due to recent study on a DNA level. Overall this is a common, widespread bolete species that is largely ignored as it is... well, less well-known and spectacular than many of the popular and colorful examples of this family. ^w^;

For those in the South, Midwest, and Atlantic-coast states... the mushroom season is ON! Unusual, rare, and seldom-harvested species are out in force along with local favorites--so check out your own closest meadows and woods! :D You're sure to find something cool, at the very least.