Scientists identify mushroom behind hallucinations of tiny humans

Researchers at the University of Utah used DNA sequencing to identify Lanmaoa asiatica as the mushroom causing Lilliputian hallucinations in Southwest China and the northern Philippines. No known psychoactive compounds, including psilocybin, were found, suggesting the fungus produces an unidentified hallucinogenic substance.

• Lilliputian hallucinations of 3–30 cm figures have been reported since 1934
• Lanmaoa asiatica showed no psilocybin or other known psychoactive compounds
• About 90% of those affected describe elves, clowns or brightly dressed figures
• The study was published in Mycologia; Papua New Guinea samples could not be collected