The distribution and abundance of New Zealand species of Russula and Lactarius is poorly known. Eight species are currently listed as ‘Nationally Critical’ under the current conservation threat classification. Many more are listed as ‘Data Deficient’ due to poor historical recording. Russula and Lactarius species occur throughout the world and are relatively easy to recognise at the generic level, but it is often difficult to identify collections to known species due to variation in key characters such as colour. A multi-access electronic key is therefore an effective tool for assisting identification. Pat Leonard and Jerry Cooper have developed an interactive Lucid 3.4 key to New Zealand macrofungi in the genera Russula and Lactarius. The development of the key was funded by the Terrestrial and Freshwater Biodiversity Information System Programme. Keys to New Zealand Russula and Lactarius
