Cortinarius spilomeoalpinus (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) a new alpine species of sect. Spilomei from South-Tyrolean Dryas octopetala habitats.

Abstract

During our long-term studies on Cortinarius species in alpine habitats, we discovered several collections of a Cortinarius species resembling C. spilomeus. We carried out comparative morphological studies and a phylogenetic analysis based on rDNA ITS sequences. We included also type material of Cortinarius spilomeus forma dryadicola. We confirmed that Cortinarius spilomeoalpinus is a distinct species which is typical for alpine Dryas octopetala habitats. Cortinarius spilomeus forma dryadicola is not part of C. spilomeus sensu stricto. It is conspecific with the later described C. ferrusinus, another taxon of sect. Spilomei, and we treat it as forma of it. Detailed descriptions are given for the alpine taxa, and a differential diagnosis and dichotomous identification key are provided. Citation: Peintner U, Huymann L, Ferrari RJ (2025). Cortinarius spilomeoalpinus (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) a new alpine species of sect. Spilomei from the South-Tyrolean Dryas octopetala habitats. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 15: 265-274. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2025.15.12.