Horrified by a Slimy, Foul-Smelling Red Creature in My Yard – I Couldn't Believe What It Was

The "Devil's Fingers" Fungus, Originally from Australia, Often Causes Panic Upon First Encounter

An unusual incident transformed a simple morning of gardening into a moment of pure astonishment. 

Upon stepping out to water her backyard flowers, a resident encountered a slimy, reddish creature emitting a strong odor of decaying flesh. 

Her initial thought was that it was something dangerous or even of unknown origin — but, in reality, the “intruder” was a rare and frightening fungus: Anthurus archeri, popularly known as “devil’s fingers.”

Frightening Garden Appearance

The sight was striking. The mushroom, resembling red, slime-covered tentacles, exuded an intense smell reminiscent of carrion. 

“At first, I thought it was a giant larva or some strange creature. My heart pounded,” recounted the resident, who even searched online to understand what she had found.

Searching for “slimy red mushroom with rotten smell,” she discovered it was not an animal or a threat, but a fungus uncommon in Brazil.

"Devil's Fingers": An Unexpected Visitor

According to experts, Anthurus archeri is a fungus native to Australia and Tasmania, but it has spread to various parts of the world. 

Initially, it appears as a white “egg.” Over several days, it opens and releases reddish tentacles resembling fingers or claws, producing a strong odor to attract flies — which are responsible for dispersing its spores.

Due to its unusual appearance and intense smell, many people mistake the fungus for animal remains or even something supernatural. 

In some cases, there are records of calls to the police and fire department. However, it is a natural and harmless phenomenon.

A Natural, Yet Striking, Phenomenon

“It’s an example of how nature can be surprising — and, at times, frightening,” state mycologists. 

Following the discovery, the resident decided to avoid the flowerbed where the mushroom appeared. 

“I prefer not to touch it. Let it stay there. After all, it’s best not to provoke the ‘devil’s gift’,” she quipped.

Anthurus archeri poses no direct health danger but should be handled with care, preferably with gloves, as it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.