Habitat and distribution. Grows gregariously, often in troops, among grass, in fields, pastures, heaths and along roadsides where animals have grazed. Frequent to common in Europe and North America, it also grows in Australia. August to November. Harmless when cooked.
Psychotropic poisoning involves serious cases characterized by the irritation of brain tissue.
For a long time the intoxication caused by the Fly Agaric was the only form of mushroom poisoning accompanied by psychic disturbances. In Europe, poisoning by mycoatropine is caused by three Amanita species. Most common are cases of poisoning after eating the Panther Cap, less frequent are those caused by the Fly Agaric, and practically unknown is poisoning by A. regalis. The poisonous content principles of these amanitas have not yet been exactly identified, and this is why the designation 'mycoatrophine poisoning', though inadequate, is still used nowadays. The states of excitement may be dangerous for the sick person and must therefore be mitigated.