Spatial ecology of Psilocybe (Fr.) P. Kumm. (Agaricomycetideae) species in two Mexican regions

Species of the genus Psilocybe have received much attention in the past due to their hallucinogenic compounds. Their diversity and distribution patterns, however, are not well understood. This study compares the distribution and abundance of most known Psilocybe species in two well-studied regions of Mexico, Veracruz in the east and Jalisco in the west, using two large taxonomic databases. Veracruz has more species relative to Jalisco, in part because this genus is well studied there. However, it seems that new species are still being found in both locations. The altitudinal distribution of species tends to be broader in Veracruz, with more species found at lower altitudes than Jalisco. This pattern could be due to fewer suitable habitats in Jalisco, or just undersampling at low altitudes. There were no differences in species distribution across different vegetations between the two regions, suggesting that Psilocybe species have niche constraints, occupying similar habitats in different regions. The comparative approach in this study is an example of how the species-rich and well-studied area of Veracruz can be used as a baseline, providing sampling guidelines in less studied regions such as Jalisco. This approach may facilitate sampling surveys, allowing for a better understanding of Psilocybe diversity and distribution.