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Dactylina arctica and Related Lichens

This page provides information about Dactylina arctica and related lichen species, focusing on their characteristics, distribution, and ecological roles.

Common Names

• Dactylina arctica: Arctic Finger Lichen, Finger Lichen, Baby Fingers, Dead Man Fingers
• Dactylina ramulosa: Frosted Finger Lichen
• Pertusaria dactylina: Finger Wart Lichen

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Parmeliaceae (for Dactylina arctica and Dactylina ramulosa), Pertusariaceae (for Pertusaria dactylina)
• Kingdom: (Implied: Fungi, based on the text mentioning Dactylina arctica as a fungus)
• Synonyms/Alternative Names:
  • Dactylina arctica (Richardson) Nyl.
  • Dactylina madreporiformis (Ach.) Tuck.
  • Dactylina ramulosa (Hook.) Tuck.
  • Pertusaria dactylina (Ach.) Nyl. (listed under Dyntaxa - Svensk taxonomisk databas)

Distribution and Habitat

• Dactylina arctica is found in arctic habitats, including the Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska, and across the North American and Asian Arctic. Also found in Colorado.
• Dactylina ramulosa has been observed growing on limestone.

Morphological Characteristics

• Dactylina arctica forms finger-like stalks.
• Dactylina ramulosa is a fruticose lichen, white to brown to pinkish colored and pruinose. The thallus of the Dactylina genus is often hollow.

Ecological Role

• Dactylina arctica is well adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of arctic habitats.
• The genus Dactylina is a fruticose genus found in arctic and alpine tundras.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Dactylina arctica grows on mossy tundra.
• Dactylina arctica can be found among remains of Dryas octopetala.

Further Information

• Encyclopedia of Life
• ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System)
• Dyntaxa - Svensk taxonomisk databas
• American Arctic Lichens: The Macrolichens. Thompson, J., 1984.
• Weber, William A. and Siiushan, Sam, &quotThe lichen flora of Colorado: Cetraria cornicularia, Dactylina, Thamnolia&quot (1955).