New publications

17.10.2017

two papers about new species of fungi

The scope of our Centre of Excellence is indeed wide, stretching occasionally to systematics and taxonomy. Here are two rather fresh papers about new species of fungi (though, with fungi things are usually not too fresh…) – one Lactarius with orange cap and white latex, and one Calycina that lives on Pulmonaria lichen.

I guess such publications do not really need any additional explanations why they were written and published. We are still pretty much in the stage of desribing the nature, especially if it comes to other organisms than vertebrates or higher plants. And in order to understand the intricate interactions and mechanisms between plants and other (mainly sessile) organisms – which is the main purpouse of EcolChange -, we have to have a better coverage of the actual things existing in the nature…

The obvious, and also misleading “white latex” picture
The obvious, and also misleading “white latex” picture. Not sure if there are any fungi on the picture here. Seems too dry… Photo author: http://wheretoget.it/look/903804

Citation: Nuytinck, J., Verbeken, A., Saar, I., Lambert, H., Bérubé, J., & Voitk, A. (2017). Lactarius splendens, a second species with white latex in Lactarius section Deliciosi. Botany, 95(8): 859-863: . (link to full textlink opens in new page)

Abstract:

An uncommon, small, orange-capped Lactarius Pers. with white latex was confirmed, using molecular studies of the type specimens, to be Lactarius splendens Hesler & A.H. Sm. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the species falls within Lactarius section Deliciosi(Fr.) Redeuilh, Verbeken & Walleyn., very closely related to L. rubrilacteus Hesler & A.H. Sm. and L. porninsis Rolland. Hitherto L. porninsis was the only white-latex species known in the otherwise orange-latex section Deliciosi; both are associated with Larix Mill.

The actual white latex in Lactarius
The actual white latex in Lactarius Photo author: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactifluus_volemus

Citation: Suija, A., & Motiejunaite, J. (2017). Calycina alstrupii sp. nov. (Pezizellaceae, Helotiales), a new lichenicolous fungus from Norway. Phytotaxa, 307(2), 113-122. (link to full textlink opens in new page)

Abstract:

A new species of Calycina, C. alstrupii Suija & Motiejūnaitė, is described based on both morphological and molecular characteristics. The new fungus inhabits thalli of Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm. and is the first proven lichenicolous species of the genus. The new species is compared with closely related taxa of Hyaloscyphaceae s. lato.

Apparently Calycina is a taxon name that is shared between fungi and insects. Here is a speciemen of Calycina horaki
Apparently Calycina is a taxon name that is shared between fungi and insects. Here is a speciemen of Calycina horaki Photo author: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301196971_First_record_of_Calycina_Blair_1922_Coleoptera_Mordellidae_in_the_Russian_Far_East_with_description_of_a_new_species
Lauri Laanisto

Tenured Professor in Biodiversity and Nature Tourism (Head of the Chair)

+372 7311878

+372 7311878

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