First record of the myxomycete genus Colloderma in Central America

A groundbreaking discovery has been made in the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves, with the first recorded presence of the myxomycete genus Colloderma and its species, Colloderma oculatum, in Central America. This finding, documented during a 2014 expedition in Costa Rica's high elevations, challenges traditional ecological classifications by identifying a temperate-associated species in what is typically considered a tropical environment. The discovery expands the known biodiversity of Costa Rican myxomycetes to 213 species, according to the latest checklist. Researchers analyzed the geographical distribution and ecology of this unique species, providing insights into its habitat preferences and potential implications for conservation efforts in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Rojas Alvarado, C., Lado Rodríguez, C., & Valverde González, R. (2015). First record of the myxomycete genus Colloderma in Central America. Check List, 11(4), 1716. https://doi.org/10.15560/11.4.1716