P. chloephorus is a species known from Mexico and Argentina. It has been recorded in a small number of sites (8) and population size is estimated at only 16000 mature individuals. However, given its likely wide distribution, different suitable habitats and potential hosts, and lack of evidence of significant population reduction, the species is assessed as Least Concern (LC).

P. chloephorus is the type and only species in the Phylloboletellus genus. This has been confirmed through molecular studies, but its phylogenetic position remains unresolved (Farid et al. 2018). Synonym: Phylloboletellus chloephorus var. mexicanus

It has only been observed in Argentina and Mexico (GBIF.org, 2023), but given the distance between the two, a wider distribution in Central and South America is likely. This is also suggested by one further GBIF record from Costa Rica, but it has only been identified until the genus level.

Species has been recorded in approximately 8 sites (GBIF.org, 2023; Bandala et al., 2004). Given its wide area of potentially suitable habitat and relatively conspicuous fruitbodies, the small number of records suggests this may be an uncommon species, though this may also be caused by low search efforts. Population size is estimated at 16000 mature individuals following guidelines by Dahlberg and Mueller (2011), assuming a x500 multiplier for unknown sites, 2 functional individuals per site and 2 mature individuals per functional individual.

Found on soil, subgregarious, solitary or subcaespitose under or near plant species belonging to Lauraceae, Myrtaceae, Sapindaceae, Ulmaceae, Fabaceae and others, in both natural habitats such as tropical forests and Tamaulipan matorral, and in coffee plantations. It has been suggested as saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal by different authors, but its trophic mode has not yet been confirmed. (Bandala et al., 2004; Jiménez 2013; Farid et al. 2018)

Given its wide distribution, range of habitats and numerous potential hosts it is difficult to establish threats for this species.

Targeted efforts in areas of suitable habitat are needed to define distribution limits and better estimate population size. Research into its trophic mode and range of hosts is also needed to help establish threats.