During a recent field collection in the forests of Chitlang (Nepal), our lab accidentally discovered that a local Amanita species appeared to have insecticidal effects. Several flies that came into contact with or fed on the mushroom were found dead within a few hours. No external chemicals or traps were involved, and this pattern was consistent throughout the day.

We are now investigating the bioactive compounds possibly responsible for this effect.

I would appreciate insights from anyone who has:

  • Worked on insecticidal or toxic secondary metabolites in Amanita spp.
  • Identified specific compounds in Amanita with known entomotoxic effects.
  • Conducted bioassays using mushroom extracts against insect pests.
  • Are there known records of such behavior in wild Amanita mushrooms? Could this be a common trait or an undocumented property of certain regional strains?

    Looking forward to your thoughts, references, or similar observations.

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