In My Backyard, I Found a Slimy, Reddish Creature Exuding a Strong, Foul Odor. I Was Horrified When I Realized What It Was

Fungus Known as "Devil's Fingers" Originates in Australia and Often Causes Panic in First-Time Encounters.

A peculiar incident transformed a simple morning of gardening into a moment of pure astonishment. 

Upon stepping out to water the flowers in her backyard, a resident encountered a slimy, reddish creature with a strong odor of decomposing meat. 

Her first impression was that it was something dangerous or even of unknown origin — but, in reality, the "intruder" was a rare and unsettling fungus: Anthurus archeri, popularly known as "devil's fingers."

Frightening Garden Appearance

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

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

By 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," micologists state. 

After 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 better not to provoke the 'devil's gift'," she joked.

Anthurus archeri does not pose a direct health hazard, but it should be handled with care, preferably with gloves, as it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.