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Dactylospora

Dactylospora is a genus of lichenized ascomycetes, sometimes referred to as Dactylospora Lichen.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Fungi
• Family: Dactylosporaceae
• Synonyms: Includes names like Karschia saxatilis (= Dactylospora saxatilis), Dactylospora Krber, and Leciographa inspersa (=Dactylospora parasitica).

Distribution and Habitat

• Dactylospora species have been found in various locations, including South Korea, Australia, the Greater Sonoran Desert Region, Republic of Ireland (West Galway, Connemara: Doughruagh Mountain and Lough Feagh), and other parts of Europe (Spain, Germany)
• Some species are associated with oceanic lichens (e.g., Cavernularia).

Ecological Role

• Many Dactylospora species are lichenicolous fungi, meaning they are parasitic on living lichens.

Morphological Characteristics

• Some Dactylospora species exhibit a "Dactylospora type" ascus, which features a marked external gelatinous cap that reacts I+ (positive iodine reaction).

Species

• Some species include: Dactylospora amygdalariae, Dactylospora athallina, Dactylospora australis, Dactylospora dobrowolskii, Dactylospora glaucomarioides, Dactylospora lobariella, Dactylospora parasitica, Dactylospora parellaria, Dactylospora pleiosperma, Dactylospora purpurascens, Dactylospora rimulicola, Dactylospora saxatilis, and Dactylospora urceolata.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Dactylospora species are often found growing on other lichens, functioning as parasites.
• They may have close relationships with fungi infecting mosses.

Further Information

• Information can be found in databases such as the BLS Lichen Database, Index Fungorum, Drone-Application-Server database, and Plantilla: Plantae Mundi/Fuentes/ACNW.
• Referenced Institutions include: Korean Lichen Research Institute, British Lichen Society, George Mason University.