Multilocus phylogeny and taxonomy of European Melanoleuca subgenus Melanoleuca

Revision of the taxonomically complicated European Melanoleuca taxa with well-developed macrocystidia (subgenus Melanoleuca) is presented. The species are delimited by macro- and micromorphological characters and by multilocus molecular data based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS), second largest subunit of RNA polymerase I (rpb2), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) genes. The study is based on both type material and recent collections. Phylogenetically, these taxa form 10 clades recognized as 11 separate species: M. albomarginata, M. ammophila, M. bataillei, M. cavipes, M. friesii, M. granadensis, M. melaleuca, M. pallidicutis, M. polioleuca, M. strictipes, and M. variabilis. Three species, M. albomarginata, M. ammophila, and M. variabilis, are described as new. Melanoleuca melaleuca is discussed here as the type species of the genus. Discussion of other older names and their taxonomic status is also provided.

Automated summary

The taxonomically complex European Melanoleuca taxa with well-developed macrocystidia were revised and described in this study. The species were identified based on macro- and micromorphological characters as well as multilocus molecular data. A total of 11 separate species were recognized, including three newly described species. Additionally, the type species of the genus, Melanoleuca melaleuca, was discussed along with the taxonomic status of other older names.