Veränderliche Herbsteule vs Kleiner Duftmilchling

Agrochola lychnidis compared with Lactarius glyciosmus

Key Differences

Veränderliche Herbsteule is Near Threatened while Kleiner Duftmilchling is Least Concern.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Veränderliche Herbsteule	Kleiner Duftmilchling
Kingdom	Animalia (Tier)	Fungi (Pilze)
Phylum	Arthropoda (Gliederfüßer)	Basidiomycota (Ständerpilze)
Class	Insecta (Insekten)	Agaricomycetes (Mushrooms)
Order	Lepidoptera (Schmetterlinge)	Russulales (Täublingsartige)
Family	Noctuidae	Russulaceae
Genus	Agrochola	Lactarius
Species	Agrochola lychnidis	Lactarius glyciosmus

Conservation Status

Veränderliche Herbsteule

NT — Near Threatened

Kleiner Duftmilchling

LC — Least Concern

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Veränderliche Herbsteule	Kleiner Duftmilchling
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Veränderliche Herbsteule

Habitat

Typically found in virtually all terrestrial and freshwater habitats.

Range

Distributed across Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.

Kleiner Duftmilchling

Habitat

Typically found in forest floors, decomposing wood, and soil ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and United States.

Veränderliche Herbsteule

The Beaded chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis) is a species in the genus Agrochola. It is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Typically found in virtually all terrestrial and freshwater habitats.

Kleiner Duftmilchling

The Coconut Milkcap (Lactarius glyciosmus) is a small to medium-sized ectomycorrhizal fungus in the family Russulaceae, recognizable by its pale pinkish-buff or grayish cap and the sweet coconut-like fragrance that gives the species its common name. The cap typically measures 2–6 centimetres across, convex when young and flattening with age, often developing a central depression. Like all milkcaps, it exudes a mild, watery-white latex when the flesh is broken. This fungus forms obligate mycorrhizal associations primarily with birch trees (Betula spp.), making it a characteristic species of northern and montane birch woodlands, heathlands, and mixed deciduous forests. It fruiting bodies emerge from late summer through autumn, pushing up through leaf litter and mossy substrates. Distribution spans cool-temperate regions of Europe, including Scandinavia, the British Isles, and central Europe, extending eastward across Russia and into parts of North America. The species is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, reflecting its broad range and stable populations in suitable birch habitats. Ecologically, Lactarius glyciosmus plays a crucial role in forest nutrient cycling, facilitating phosphorus and water uptake for its host trees. The coconut scent, caused by volatile aromatic compounds in the flesh, distinguishes it from similar milkcap relatives such as Lactarius mammosus. It is generally considered inedible due to its mild bitterness, though not toxic.