Russula rhodopus Zvára (1927)                                                                            *Collection: Colorado

The shiny pileus (even when dry) and pinkish tinged stem define this montane conifer Russula. It can be confused easily with other members of the group, such as Russula sanguinea, but this species is less acrid (almost mild) and the spores are feature lower ornamentation and more connectives.

Spores: 6-9 x 6-7µ