Assessment Notes

Justification

Chroogomphus pseudovinicolor is a locally common and widespread species in western North America, growing with Suillus pseudobrevipes in areas with two- and three-needle pines. Although some decline in pine forest has occurred, it does not appear to be at a scale to be detrimental to this species. Therefore, it is listed as Least Concern (LC).

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Taxonomic notes

It was described from a type collection made in Idaho, USA (Miller 1966).

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Geographic range

This species is very widespread in the mountains of western North America (Cascade Range, Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains) and scattered localities on the coast of California and Oregon.

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Population and Trends

The population is widespread, occurring over a very large area with young to mature two- and three-needle pines. Mountain pine beetle outbreaks have led to a decline in pine forests, especially in the Rocky Mountains, however data to evaluate population trends in this fungus are lacking.

Population Trend: unknown

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Habitat and Ecology

Chroogomphus pseudovinicolor has an obligatory relationship (likely as a parasite) with Suillus pseudobrevipes and possibly other Suillus species, which in turn are ectomycorrhizal with pines, especially Pinus ponderosa. It is common in montane forests, with fruiting in summer and fall.

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Threats

Prolonged droughts and decades of fire suppression have drastically altered western montane forests, leading to thicker, denser, Abies-dominated forests. As a result, hotter stand-replacing fires (rather than patchwork and understorey burns) are commonplace, altering appropriate habitat drastically and potentially making it ill-suited for this species. Pine beetle outbreaks due to prolonged droughts and higher temperatures have killed millions trees, in particular pines in the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada.

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Conservation Actions

No specific conservation actions have been identified with regards to this species. No specific research is needed with regards to this species.

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Use and Trade

This species is edible, but not often collected.

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Source and Citation

Siegel, N. 2022. Chroogomphus pseudovinicolor. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T198479349A198489509. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T198479349A198489509.en .Accessed on 4 August 2024

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