Forest Woodwax vs

Hygrophorus arbustivus compared with Hygrophorus cossus

Key Differences

• Forest Woodwax is Extinct while is Critically Endangered.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Forest Woodwax
Kingdom same	Fungi (Fungi)	Fungi (Fungi)
Phylum same	Basidiomycota (Club Fungi)	Basidiomycota (Club Fungi)
Class same	Agaricomycetes (Mushrooms)	Agaricomycetes (Mushrooms)
Order same	Agaricales (Gilled Mushrooms)	Agaricales (Gilled Mushrooms)
Family same	Hygrophoraceae	Hygrophoraceae
Genus same	Hygrophorus	Hygrophorus
Species	Hygrophorus arbustivus	Hygrophorus cossus

Evolutionary Relationship

Forest Woodwax and share a common ancestor at the Genus level: Hygrophorus.

Conservation Status

Forest Woodwax

EX — Extinct

CR — Critically Endangered

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Forest Woodwax
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Forest Woodwax

Habitat

Typically found in forest floors, decomposing wood, and soil ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Habitat

Found across multiple habitat types including temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, temperate coniferous forests, and boreal forests and taiga, among 4 distinct biome types within the Palearctic biogeographic realm. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

Range

Distributed across Norway and Sweden. Currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Hygrophorus cossus is a waxcap fungus in the family Hygrophoraceae, assessed as Critically Endangered (CR). It grows in old-growth forest habitats, particularly in association with ancient trees, and is named for its distinctive soapy or waxy odour. Its critically endangered status reflects extreme rarity and the near-total loss of suitable old-growth forest habitat.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 2 countries:

🇳🇴 Norway 🇸🇪 Sweden