About Hypomyces lateritius (Fr.) Tul. & C.Tul.
Hypomyces lateritius, commonly known as the ochre gillgobbler, is a parasitic ascomycete fungus that grows on certain Lactarius mushroom species. It is known to improve the flavor of its host mushrooms and densify their flesh. Confirmed host species include Lactarius camphoratus, L. chelidonium, L. controversus, L. deliciosus, L. indigo, L. rufus, L. salmonicolor, L. sanguifluus, L. semisanguifluus, L. tabidus, L. trivialis, and L. vinosus. This is a microscopic fungus that forms a macroscopic whitish subiculum over the hymenium of its host, which stops gills from developing. Infection by H. lateritius also often deforms the host's cap and stipe. Even after parasitization, the host mushroom still produces latex when its flesh is cut. Hypomyces lateritius occurs wherever Lactarius species are found. Its documented range spans North America from Alaska to Mexico, and Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to Ukraine. In Asia, it has been recorded in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Western Siberia. It has also been reported from New Zealand and South Africa.
