Correlation between Salamanders and honey mushrooms (Armillaria spp.)?

I had gone foraging for mushrooms recently in a mixed forest, consisting of approximately 60% coniferous and 40% deciduous trees. I came across a dying hardwood tree that had a massive cluster of honey mushrooms (Armillaria spp.) growing around the base of the trunk. As I was removing the mushrooms I noticed a small salamander hiding within one of the clusters. I carefully lowered the mushrooms so that the salamander could escape and I managed to take some photos. It turned out to be a Four-toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum). I returned a few days later to the same location in search of the same mushrooms to see if I would find another Salamander hiding within them. I discovered another tree with clusters of honey mushrooms growing from the base of the trunk and sure enough, another salamander was hiding within the mushroom cluster. This time it was a Blue-spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale). This led me to wonder. Is there some kind of relationship between this specific mushroom species and salamanders? I tried to find research on this matter and was unsuccessful in doing so. It is important to note that it has been very damp and unusually warm recently. This time of the year should expect colder temperatures than what has been occurring. I will return within the next few days to test out my hypothesis, hopefully to discover another salamander hiding among the honey mushrooms.

Posted on October 13, 2021 02:19 AM by