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Published: 2026-03-25
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Nivicolous myxomycetes on lowland habitats in the boreal zone of Eastern Europe. Part I: Prioksko-Terrasny Natural State Reserve (Moscow Region, Russia)

Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye gory, 1‐12, Moscow, 119991, Russia
Independent researcher, Shipilovskaya St., 42/30, Moscow, 115563, Russia
Amoebozoa biodiversity description European Russia hidden diversity Myxogastria rare species spring temperate forests Fungi

Abstract

Nivicolous myxomycetes are ephemeral and often elusive organisms that form sporocarps at the edge of melting snow. They were previously associated exclusively with mountainous and rough terrains. Recently, some authors have recorded them in the lowlands as well. This work presents the first long-term research on the species diversity of nivicolous myxomycetes in the Prioksko‐Terrasny State Nature Biosphere Reserve. This is the southernmost point of the central part of the Eastern European Plain where this group of organisms has been recorded. Investigation resulted in records of 20 species belonging to 5 genera. For the first time 9 species are found in lowland habitats: Diderma cf. europaeum, D. meyerae, Lamproderma cristatum, L. cucumer, L. ovoideum, L. pulchellum, L. cf. pulveratum, L. splendidissimum, Meriderma cribrarioides. For each species recorded, descriptions of morphological features, images of sporocarps, spores, and capillitium, and photographs of microstructures, obtained on a scanning electron microscope, are given. The biotopes studied and the data on substrate preferences are also described.

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How to Cite

Gmoshinskiy, V.I. & Kireeva, N.I. (2026) Nivicolous myxomycetes on lowland habitats in the boreal zone of Eastern Europe. Part I: Prioksko-Terrasny Natural State Reserve (Moscow Region, Russia). Phytotaxa 749 (1): 10–50. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.749.1.2