Spotted Milkcap
Lactarius scrobiculatus
Conservation status data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactarius_scrobiculatus
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Russulales
Family
Russulaceae
Genus
Lactarius
Spotted Milkcap belongs to the family Russulaceae, order Russulales, within the Agaricomycetes class.
Species Profile
Species profile data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The Spotted Milkcap faces severe population declines due to widespread habitat loss from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development across its range. Climate change is altering the delicate mycorrhizal relationships this species depends on, while pollution and soil contamination further degrade its forest ecosystems. Conservation status may vary by region or assessment authority.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Coniferous and mixed forests, particularly spruce-dominated ecosystems, where it forms mycorrhizal associations with tree roots. Typically found in acidic soils of boreal and montane forest environments across northern temperate regions.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The Spotted Milkcap faces severe population declines due to widespread habitat loss from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development across its range. Climate change is altering the delicate mycorrhizal relationships this species depends on, while pollution and soil contamination further degrade its forest ecosystems. Conservation status may vary by region or assessment authority.
Agricultural expansion and land conversion
Climate change disrupting mycorrhizal partnerships
Habitat loss and forest fragmentation
Over-collection for commercial and recreational purposes
Soil pollution and contamination
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). Spotted Milkcap (Lactarius scrobiculatus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/spotted-milkcap