Cortinarius ayanamii (Fungi, Cortinariaceae). The first record of a Cortinarius species for the Maltese Islands

A small cluster of yellowish caramel-brown macromycetes growing under Cistus monspeliensis L. in Nadur, Gozo, has been identified as a Cortinarius species for its rough morphology, weak cortina on the stipe, arid taste, spore print and shape. DNA sequencing using ITS primers has further resolved the determination to species level where a 100% match correspond to Cortinarius ayanamii A.Ortega, Vila, Bidaud & Llimona. Cortinarius is the largest genus in terms of species diversity in Europe, however, this finding is the first record of Cortinarius for the Maltese Islands. The ecology of the Maltese population matches with that reported in the species description, specifically as a mycorrhizal species with C. monspeliensis and C. albida from Catalonia, Spain. The lack of other records from mainland Europe may indicate that the species is rare in Europe, and its distribution is poorly known. A detailed account of the finding in Gozo is given in this work, including the habitat and morphology of the individuals accompanied by relevant photographs.peer-reviewe