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Agonimia Lichen

Agonimia is a genus of fungi, specifically a lichen, belonging to the family Verrucariaceae.

Considerations for Pets

• The thallus is composed of small squamules (0.1 to 0.5mm in diameter).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Agonimia
• Rank: Genus, Species
• Family: Verrucariaceae
• Group: Lichen
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: Several species exist within the genus, including Agonimia tristicula (Nyl.) Zahlbr., Agonimia octospora, Agonimia opuntiella, Agonimia repleta, Agonimia gelatinosa (Ach.) M. Brand &amp Diederich, and Agonimia allobata (Stizenb.).
• Common Name: agonimia lichen

Distribution and Habitat

• Agonimia tristicula has been found in Ecuador, Galapagos (CDS), Britain, Ireland, Dorset, Israel and the Greater Sonoran Desert Region.
• New species of Agonimia have been found in Eastern Asia and Switzerland.
• This lichen is also found in the Clearwater Valley, Dawson Falls, British Columbia.

Morphological Characteristics

• The thallus is composed of squamules that range from 0.1 to 0.5 mm in diameter.
• These squamules appear dull green to brown when dry and bright green when wet.
• Some species have a minutely squamulose to granulose thallus.

Ecological Role

• Some Agonimia species, such as Agonimia flabelliformis, A. opuntiella, and A. tristicula, are considered new records in certain regions, like Central Poland.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Agonimia can grow among moss, as seen in the Clearwater Valley, Dawson Falls.
• It can also be epiphytic on trees like Quercus ilex.
• Some species are found in association with lichenicolous fungi.

Resources and Further Information

• Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
• Lichen Flora of the Greater Sonoran Desert
• British Lichen Society - BLS Lichen Database
• ResearchGate