Lactarius subatlanticus sp. nov., a new species of Lactarius subg. Russularia (Basidiomycota, Russulales) from North-Western Himalayas, India

A novel Lactarius species, designated L. subatlanticus sp. nov. within the subgenus Russularia, has been identified from the North-Western Himalayan region of India. Detailed examination of its morphological traits and microscopic features, utilizing both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, has been conducted. While sharing morphological similarities with L. atlanticus, molecular analyses focusing on the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of rDNA, coupled with phylogenetic assessment, have facilitated its clear differentiation from closely related Lactarius species. This taxonomic discovery represents a significant contribution to mycological science.