Kleiner Duftmilchling vs Rotfuchs

Lactarius glyciosmus compared with Vulpes vulpes

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Kleiner Duftmilchling	Rotfuchs
Kingdom	Fungi (Pilze)	Animalia (Tier)
Phylum	Basidiomycota (Ständerpilze)	Chordata (Chordatiere)
Class	Agaricomycetes (Mushrooms)	Mammalia (Säugetiere)
Order	Russulales (Täublingsartige)	Carnivora (Raubtiere)
Family	Russulaceae	Canidae (Dogs & Wolves)
Genus	Lactarius	Vulpes (Foxes)
Species	Lactarius glyciosmus	Vulpes vulpes

Conservation Status

Kleiner Duftmilchling

LC — Least Concern

Rotfuchs

LC — Least Concern

Trend: Stable →

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Kleiner Duftmilchling	Rotfuchs
Diet	—	Omnivore
Average Lifespan	—	5 years
Average Length	—	70 cm
Average Weight	—	6.0 kg

Habitat & Geographic Range

Kleiner Duftmilchling

Habitat

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

Range

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

Rotfuchs

Habitat

Typically found in a wide range of habitat types.

Range

Widely distributed across Asia (Cyprus, Israel), Europe (8 countries), North America (United States), Oceania and the Pacific (Australia), and South America (Argentina).

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.

Rotfuchs

The most widespread wild carnivore on Earth, red foxes have colonized habitats from Arctic tundra to urban environments across the Northern Hemisphere and introduced ranges in Australia. Recognized by their russet coat, white belly, and bushy tail. Highly adaptable omnivores, red foxes eat everything from rabbits and voles to fruit and human refuse. They communicate with over 40 distinct vocalizations.