Lactarius aquizonatus
Local name: Lactaire citron pâle
Lactarius aquizonatus, known as the pale lemon milkcap, is a distinctive mycorrhizal fungus characterized by its pale yellow to cream-colored cap with darker concentric zones and white latex that exudes when damaged. This species forms essential symbiotic relationships with deciduous trees, particularly beech and oak, facilitating nutrient exchange and supporting forest ecosystem health.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Russulales
Family
Russulaceae
Genus
Lactarius
Lactarius aquizonatus belongs to the family Russulaceae, order Russulales, within the Agaricomycetes class.
Species Profile
Lactarius aquizonatus, known as the pale lemon milkcap, is a distinctive mycorrhizal fungus characterized by its pale yellow to cream-colored cap with darker concentric zones and white latex that exudes when damaged. This species forms essential symbiotic relationships with deciduous trees, particularly beech and oak, facilitating nutrient exchange and supporting forest ecosystem health.
Lactarius aquizonatus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural conversion of its specialized forest ecosystems. As a mycorrhizal fungus dependent on specific host trees, it is particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation and changes in forest composition. Climate change may further threaten this species by altering the delicate ecological conditions required for its survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Lactarius aquizonatus occurs exclusively in mature deciduous forests, particularly old-growth beech-oak woodlands with rich, well-drained soils and established leaf litter layers. The species requires undisturbed forest floors with stable mycorrhizal networks and typically fruits in late summer to early autumn.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Lactarius aquizonatus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural conversion of its specialized forest ecosystems. As a mycorrhizal fungus dependent on specific host trees, it is particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation and changes in forest composition. Climate change may further threaten this species by altering the delicate ecological conditions required for its survival.
Agricultural land conversion
Forest fragmentation
Habitat loss and deforestation
Loss of mycorrhizal host trees
Climate change impacts on forest ecosystems
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Lactarius aquizonatus (Lactarius aquizonatus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/lactaire-citron-pale