Six newly described Inocybaceae from North America

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Fungal Taxonomy
• Biodiversity Research

Background:

• The Inocybaceae family is diverse and globally distributed.
• Accurate species identification is crucial for ecological and evolutionary studies.
• North America harbors many undescribed fungal species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe six new species of Inocybaceae from North America.
• To clarify the phylogenetic relationships within the Inocybaceae family.
• To provide detailed morphological and molecular data for new taxa.

Main Methods:

• Phylogenetic analyses using nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S rDNA sequences.
• Sequencing of additional genetic loci, including RNA polymerase II largest subunit (rpb1) and second largest subunit (rpb2).
• Morphological examination and illustration of the new species.

Main Results:

• Six new species are described: *Inocybe albofusca*, *I. communis*, *I. lincoffii*, *Inosperma aureiavis*, *Pseudosperma aurivetum*, and *Mallocybe diabolica*.
• Phylogenetic analyses strongly support the distinctiveness of each new species.
• Most new species are common in eastern North America, with one endemic to the southwestern US and Mexico.

Conclusions:

• The study expands the known diversity of the Inocybaceae in North America.
• Molecular data, particularly ITS and 28S rDNA, are effective for species delimitation.
• Further phylogenetic studies incorporating additional loci will enhance understanding of Inocybaceae evolution.