Destroying angel mushrooms (Amanita virosa and Amanita bisporigera) are highly poisonous fungi that are often mistaken for edible species. They are white or pale in color and have a distinctive bulbous base, a ring around the stem, and a volva (a sheath-like structure at the base of the stem). They can resemble other edible mushrooms, such as meadow mushrooms or button mushrooms, which can make them difficult to identify. Here are some key characteristics to help you distinguish destroying angel mushrooms from their lookalikes:

1. Shape: Destroying angel mushrooms have a bulbous base and a cap that is typically smooth or slightly wavy. The cap can range in size from 3-10 inches in diameter and is typically white or pale in color.

2. Stem: The stem of a destroying angel mushroom is typically white or pale and is about 4-10 inches tall. It has a ring around the stem and is typically slender and tapering.

3. Gills: The gills of a destroying angel mushroom are white or pale and are attached to the stem. They do not extend down the stem like the gills of an edible mushroom.

4. Volva: The volva is a sheath-like structure at the base of the stem and is typically large and prominent in destroying angel mushrooms. It is often cup-shaped or sac-like and is usually white or pale in color.

It is important to note that there is no 100% foolproof way to identify a mushroom as edible or poisonous. If you are unsure about the identity of a mushroom, it is best to err on the side of caution and not consume it. If you suspect that you or someone you know has ingested a poisonous mushroom, seek medical attention immediately.