Examine preserved specimens of different species. Russula - Latex is absent in the basidiocarp of this genus. Examine available specimens. The gills are free, white to gray or pink to dull chocolate brown to purple brown. The stalks are relatively thick with an annulus typically present.
Spores are purplish brown to dark brown.
Members of this family occur in a number of habitats including lawns and pastures, humus and litter in hardwood and conifer forests, and manured areas. They often resemble the white Amanitas in early development, thus it is important to examine the entire mushroom. Agaricus brunnescens - This is also called A. bisporus and A. campestris var. This is the mushroom grown for commercial use and what you usually buy from grocery stores. It is characterized by having two spored basidia.