Myxomycetes in the forests and woodlands of western Oregon

This study examined the zonal distribution of myxomycetes in the Pacific No rthwest with special emphasis on the forests and woodlands of western Orego n; Our material included specimens of at least 77 species of myxomycetes, m any of which occur mainly on wood or bark most specimens were obtained from moist chamber cultures. Elaeomyxa cerifera is reported as new for North Am erica north of Mexico; this species, one species of Cribraria, and two spec ies of Licea are described in detail. According to our data, species richne ss and productivity of myxomycetes are highest in the mixed forests and woo dlands of inland valleys. Wet coniferous forests at both ends of an elevati onal gradient exhibit lower values of species richness and productivity. Th e main pattern observed is that of increasing myxomycete diversity with inc reasing heterogeneity in substrate types, especially in relation to increas ing availability of angiosperm bark and wood among potential substrates for myxomycetes.