Amanita satotamagotake sp. nov., a Cryptic Species Formerly Included in Amanita caesareoides

Summary

This research discovered that what was thought to be a single mushroom species in Japan is actually two different species that prefer different climates. The study has important implications for understanding how fungi respond to climate change. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps predict how edible mushroom populations might change with global warming – Improves our ability to identify and manage valuable forest mushroom species – Contributes to understanding how climate change affects forest ecosystems – Demonstrates the importance of precise species identification for conservation – Helps inform forest management practices in changing climates

Background

Amanita caesareoides, belonging to section Caesareae, is an ectomycorrhizal symbiont associated with Pinaceae and Fagaceae trees. Several species in this section are edible mushrooms consumed globally. The section originated around 60 Mya in Africa and expanded through Asia to other continents. In Japan, A. caesareoides was initially identified as A. caesarea and has a complex taxonomic history involving multiple species and varieties.

Objective

To evaluate the inclusion of a cryptic species within the Japanese Amanita caesareoides population through phylogenetic, morphological, and ecological analyses.

Results

The A. caesareoides specimens showed two distinct phylogenetic groups with different distributions: one in subalpine-cool temperate areas and another in temperate-subtropical areas. While these groups overlapped in basidiospore size, the latter group tended to have smaller spores. Only the former group showed mycelial growth on nutrient agar. The two groups showed different geographic distributions and habitat preferences based on temperature and vegetation patterns.

Conclusion

Based on phylo-morpho-ecophysiological characteristics, the specimens previously labeled as A. caesareoides represent two distinct species. The subalpine-cool temperate group retained the name A. caesareoides, while the temperate-subtropical group was described as a new species, A. satotamagotake. The geographic patterns suggest A. satotamagotake may be invading A. caesareoides habitat due to global warming.
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