Microscopic Details
Microscopic examination is generally required for identification of all but a few "field guide species" in the genus. Spore morphology is probably the most crucial among the microfeatures; spore shape, size, and the degree of ornamentation (from nearly smooth to strongly verrucose) can all be important in identification. Ideally, spores should be measured from a spore print so that they are unquestionably mature. A Roman aqueduct section, mounted in 2% KOH, will suffice for studying other microscopic features important in Cortinarius, which include the pileipellis (see the discussion and illustration above, under "Sliminess"), the presence or absence of clamp connections, and cystidia on the gills. Impressive, well defined cystidia are almost never heard of in Cortinarius (Cortinarius violaceus is virtually the only exception), but some species possess cylindrical to club-shaped cheilocystidia--sometimes designated as "marginal cells" when they are so inconspicuous as to be unworthy of a full-blown "cheilocystidia" designation (yes, the distinction is frustrating, and no, authors do not use these terms consistently and universally).

Species Pages
Cortinarius alboviolaceus
Cortinarius anomalus
Cortinarius armillatus
Cortinarius azureus
Cortinarius bolaris
Cortinarius caesiocanescens
Cortinarius caperatus
Cortinarius collinitus
Cortinarius corrugatus
Cortinarius croceus
Cortinarius distans
Cortinarius elegantio-montanus
Cortinarius glaucopus
Cortinarius hesleri
Cortinarius infractus
Cortinarius iodeoides
Cortinarius iodes
Cortinarius malicorius
Cortinarius marylandensis
Cortinarius mucosus
Cortinarius multiformis
Cortinarius olearioides
Cortinarius ophiopus
Cortinarius pinguis
Cortinarius privignoides
Cortinarius rubripes
Cortinarius sanguineus
Cortinarius seidliae
Cortinarius semisanguineus
Cortinarius smithii
Cortinarius species 01
Cortinarius species 02
Cortinarius subpulchrifolius
Cortinarius torvus
Cortinarius trivialis
Cortinarius vibratilis
Cortinarius violaceus
References
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Kuo, M. (2011, December). The genus Cortinarius. Retrieved from the MushroomExpert.Com Web site: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/cortinarius.html