Boletus pulcherrimus can be recognized by its blood-red tubes, its reddish pileus, its reddish stipe which has a reddish net at its apex, and its flesh which stains blue. It is a large species with the pileus often reaching up to 16 inches or more in diameter and the stipe 12-14 inches high and 2-4 inches in diameter. Because of its size, red color, and net at the apex of the stipe, this species can not be confused with any other bolete. It was formerly called Boletus eastwoodiae. However, the type collection of B. eastwoodiae turned out to be Boletus satanus, thus a new name had to be coined for this species.