Studies on Lactarius:: Two new records from Costa Rica and additional information from Mexico

Lactarius luteolus and L. verae-crucis are recorded from Costa Rica for the first time. New collections from Veracruz and Guerrero expand their known distribution ranges. Studies on fresh basidiomes of L. luteolus recorded throughout 2002-2005 from a monitored plot in a protected mesophytic forest in Veracruz, Mexico, revealed additional data on its morphology, phenology, and ecological association with Carpinus caroliniana. Descriptions, coupled with illustrations of macro- and micromorphological features and discussions of both taxa, are presented based on Costa Rican and Mexican specimens.