New causal animal for the growth of Hebeloma radicosum (Agaricales): shrew, Sorex sp. (Mammalia, Insectivora)

Hebeloma radicosum fructification occurred in 2003 in Hokkaido where Talpidae moles, known causal animals for H. radicosum growth, are not distributed. An excavation carried out in 2005 revealed a mass of deserted latrines and a collapsed nest in the soil. The latrines, being full of deteriorating ectomycorrhizas, were considered to have borne that fungal growth. The responsible animal was identified as a shrew (Sorex) species by the characteristics of hairs remaining in the soil. Thus, in addition to the moles (Insectivora, Talpidae) and the wood mouse (Rodentia, Muridae; in Europe), a shrew species (Insectivora, Soricidae) is found to cause H. radicosum growth.