Death caps are highly poisonous mushrooms with 6 inches (15 cm) wide caps. These caps might be yellow, white, brownish, or greenish in color, and are generally sticky to the touch. Death cap mushrooms have white gills, and they grow on 5 inch (13 cm) tall stalks.  The death cap is blamed for the most mushroom poisonings in the world. These mushrooms generally grow from September to November in the US and Europe. Destroying angels are known for a wide cap, medium-sized stalk, and frilly gills. Destroying angel caps can be either pure white, or white at the edge and light yellow, light pink, or pale tan at the center.  Destroying angels typically grow near the roots of trees or shrubs. They are most common in the summer and fall. They are typically about 2–5 inches (5.1–12.7 cm) across. Death caps, destroying angels, and many other harmful mushrooms belong to the Amanita family of mushrooms. Although you may pass over some potentially edible mushroom, you can avoid the whole family by staying away from mushrooms with their particular characteristics. These include:  White gills A skirt or ring on the stem A bulbous or sack-like base called a volva As a good rule of thumb, never consume a mushroom until you have positively identified that species at least 3 times. Any time you are unsure about a mushroom, ask for advice from an expect.

Summary:
Identify death caps by their large caps. Recognize destroying angels by their white stalks and caps. Avoid mushrooms with white gills and/or a volva. Never consume mushrooms you are not 100% sure about.