Family Pluteaceae is a group of fungi that are commonly known as the shield mushrooms. These mushrooms are found in a wide range of habitats and are known for their distinctive cap shape, which resembles a shield. Synonyms for this family include the Pluteaceae family, Pluteales order, and the shield fungi. The mushrooms in this family are characterized by their thick fleshy caps and gills that are attached to the stem. They are typically found growing on dead wood or in soil, and many species are considered edible. The Pluteaceae family includes many different genera, including Pluteus, Volvariella, and Volvopluteus.