<i>Cortinarius</i> subg. <i>Telamonia</i> in Pakistan; Description of a New Species and Notes on <i>C. himalayanus</i>

Despite the diverse agro‐climatic conditions and diverse habitats suitable for fungal growth, studies in fungi are very rare in Pakistan. Review of the literature revealed that Cortinarius is one of the most understudied genera in Pakistan. Specimens of the present study were collected in both mixed and coniferous forests in the Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan during 2015−2021. Based on morphological characters and supporting molecular data, two species of Cortinarius within the subgenus Telamonia are presented in this article, of which one is proposed as new to science. The newly proposed C. acutiumbonatus belongs to section Verni , while C. himalayanus belongs to the section Dermocybe . The discovery and detailed description of the new species contribute to our understanding of the biodiversity, ecology, and existing knowledge of Cortinarius in the biodiversity rich yet under‐explored regions of Pakistan. The additional insights into the recently described species of C. himalayanus highlight some key morphological differences missing in the type description. The article is an addition to the existing knowledge of Cortinarius , which will help in filling the gaps in the enumeration of the total biodiversity of the genus and understanding the evolutionary relationship among species belonging to different ecoregions of the world.