Library and
Information
Library and
Information
Over the years the British Mycological Society and it members have published a large number of keys to fungi in its journals and occasionally in the publications of other societies. We felt that it would be useful to make them accessible to everyone by publishing them on the BMS website.
This is very much a work in progress and it is hoped to continue to add keys to the web page as time permits. If you would like to add a comment or have any suggestions or queries relating to this web page then please contact either Archie McAdam or Liz Holden through the BMS office at admin@britmycolsoc.info
Where the journal is not a BMS publication, permission to reproduce the keys involved has been obtained and full acknowledgement is given.
This is a guide for beginners who take seriously their desire to know how to identify agarics and boleti to genus. After the keys themselves there is an updated summary of the Agarics and Boleti section of Guide to the Literature for the Identification of British Basidiomycetes by Brand, Henrici and Leonard intended for beginners, but useful to all. Then an Index of Genera in 10 publications, including the booklet itself and the recent Funga Nordica. In addition to the main key to genera, Archie includes a key to Galerina which updates the problem key in British Fungus Flora Volume 7 and Derek Schafer's Simplified Key to Coprinus s.l. A comprehensive glossary of terms used in the booklet is included. This key is available as a book suitable to take on forays. The book is now (2011) in its second edition and can be purchased from Summerfield Books, 3 Phoenix Park, Skelton, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9SD, or by email info@summerfieldbooks.com, Tel +44(0)1768 484 909
Category A Keys consists of keys that have been recently published in the journal Field Mycology and other recently published keys. This means that synoptic keys involving colour can now be downloaded and printed on any colour computer printer.
Category B consists of keys that still offer useful information for the identification of species but need to be used alongside current checklists and more up to date keys.
It is fully accepted that many of the older keys are now ‘out of date’ and should not be used for identification purposes. They can however, provide a useful service in allowing a better understanding of the species concept involved in some of the older species names recorded on the FRDBI. They can also provide an insight into the development of the taxonomic understanding of particular genera.
