Suillellus mendax

Description

Suillellus mendax is a species of bolete fungus found in Europe. It was originally published as a species of Boletus when it was newly described in 2013, but then transferred to Suillellus the following year.

This species is morphologically very similar to the widespread Suillellus luridus, but differs in its predominantly acidophilous ecology, a mostly dull-colored, finely felty cap and more narrowly ellipsoid to subfusiform spores measuring (12.4–)13.3–14.7(–15.5) × (4.5–)4.9– 5.5(–5.7) μm.

Suillellus mendax forms ectomycorrhizal associations with beech (Fagus), oak (Quercus) and sweet chestnut (Castanea). So far, it has been molecularly verified from Italy, France and the island of Cyprus.

Look-Alikes

1. Suillellus luridus

   Is difficult to distinguish from the net stock indigo pipe hat, which usually has more orange (not purple) colors and a net drawing that runs far down the log. It also has wider spores and thus lower Q - 2.1-2.4.

2. Suillellus comptus

   Has a stem ornament like S. mendax, but a distinctly felted hat, more orange colors, almost root-like tapered stalk, and spores like net-stalked indigo tube hat. It usually does not have a red zone between tube and hat meat.

Photo sources:

Photo 1 - Author: Xth-Floor (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Photo 2 - Author: Xth-Floor (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Photo 3 - Author: Xth-Floor (CC BY-SA 3.0)