French mycologist Pierre Bulliard described this species as Boletus felleus in 1788 before it was transferred into the new genus Tylopilus. It is the type species of Tylopilus and the only member of the genus found in Europe.
Pierre Bulliard first described this species as Boletus felleus in 1788.  It was later reclassified into the new genus Tylopilus, making it the type species for that genus. This species is unique to Europe and the only member of its genus found there.