Holarctic species in the Pluteus ephebeus clade: description of four new species and revision of historical names

We studied the taxonomy of the Pluteus ephebeus complex using morphological and molecular (nrITS, TEF1-α) data and designate a lectotype and an epitype for P. ephebeus and a lectotype for P. murinus. Based on our type studies, P. murinus and P. lepiotoides were recognized as distinct species; while P. pearsonii was found to be a later synonym of P. murinus. Four new species are described: Pluteus dyscritus, P. hortensis, P. phaeodyscritus and P. ratticolor. Within the P. ephebeus complex, four species are currently recognized in Europe, at least eight species in the Palearctic region of Asia, and at least five species in the Nearctic region of North America.