Cortinarius bovarius is an agaric fungus in the family Cortinariaceae. Described as new to science in 2013, it is found in western North America. The specific epithet bovarius refers to the similarity to the European lookalike Cortinarius bovinus.
The fungus produces fruit bodies with reddish-brown caps measuring in diameter; it is initially spherical and later flattens out as the cap matures, sometimes developing a small umbo. The gills are moderately distantly spaced, with an adnexed to emarginate attachment to the stipe. The spores measure 8.5âÂÂ10 by 5.5âÂÂ6âÂÂ6.5 üm. The basidia (spore-bearing cells) are four-spored, and measure 30âÂÂ40 by 7.5âÂÂ9.5 üm.
Cortinarius bovarius is found in western North America, including Alaska, and Alberta (Canada). It grows in coniferous forests dominated by spruce trees, and prefers rich, calcareous soils. Fruiting occurs from late August to September.