It is remarkable that a highly prized, edible species such as Caesar's mushroom (Amanita caesarea (Scop.: Fr.) Pers.) should belong to the same group as the most toxic mushrooms such as the Death cap (A. phalloides (Fr.) Link), the Destroying angel (A. virosa (Fr.) Bertillon) and the Fly agaric (A. muscaria (L.) Fr.). It is a species frequently encountered in Italian restaurants, and in the market places of Italy, Spain and southern France. Clearly, the greatest care must be taken to avoid confusion with other Amanita species if it collected in the wild. It occurs in warm, dry, Mediterranean localities, typically under oak or sweet chestnut from late summer onwards, and can be found in great abundance. The restricted distribution may extend slightly into eastern Europe but not northwards.