First records of Bolbitius coprophilus (Agaricales, Bolbitiaceae) from Pakistan

In efforts to record fungal biodiversity of Pakistan, we collected specimens of the genus Bolbitius Fr. from two arid to semi-arid localities in Punjab Province. On the basis of morphological evidence and ITS-nrDNA sequence data, our materials are identified as B. coprophilus (Peck) Hongo. These specimens were found to be identical in morphological characteristics to other B. coprophilus collections from throughout the world. Based on a phylogenetic analysis, sequences from our material clustered within the B. coprophilus clade, which is consistent with our morphological findings. Our three records of B. coprophilus from Pakistan are the first from the country. The distribution of B. coprophilus is discussed and a morphological comparison with closely related taxa is provided.