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Dibaeis absoluta: The Pink Dot Lichen

Dibaeis absoluta, commonly referred to as the Pink Dot Lichen, is a fascinating species of lichenized fungi. This page provides information on its classification, distribution, morphology, and more.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the Dibaeis absoluta has pink apothecia born on very short (ca. 1 mm) stalks, arising from a greenish-gray primary thallus on rock or compacted sandy soil. If you think that your pet may ingest such a specimen, take caution.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Dibaeis absoluta (Tuck.) Kalb & Gierl
• Common Name: Pink Dot Lichen
• Family: Icmadophilaceae
• Kingdom: Fungi
• Phylum: Ascomycota (Sac Fungi), also referred to as Lichens
• Class: Lecanoromycetes
• Order: Pertusariales
• Synonym: Baeomyces absolutus Tuck.

Distribution and Habitat

• Dibaeis absoluta has a wide distribution across the globe.
• It can be found in:
  • Eurasia (Temperate and Tropical Asia)
  • Americas (North America, including Mexico, and South and Central America)
  • Oceania (e.g. New Zealand)
• It is often found on rock or compacted sandy soil.

Morphological Characteristics

• Primary Thallus: Mostly forming a thin, varnish-like film over the substrate, inconspicuous, and often scarcely visible. It appears emerald-green to lime-green and minutely granular to varnish-like crustose.
• Podetia: Absent or very short (ca. 1 mm), often immersed.
• Apothecia: Pink, flat-topped, and born on very short stalks.

Genetic Information

• The 18S ribosomal RNA gene, partial sequence internal transcribed spacer 1, 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene, and internal transcribed spacer 2 are available for Dibaeis absoluta voucher OTA 063977.
• Specific gene sequences like AF448458, KC414625, and KC414626 have been documented for specimens from Hainan, China.

Ecological Role

• Dibaeis absoluta is a lichen, representing a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Dibaeis absoluta.
• A Conservation Assessment for Pink Dot Lichen (Dibaeis absoluta) is available on ResearchGate.
• Additional information can be found at the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
• The MSU Herbarium may hold relevant specimens and data.
• The Atlas of Living Australia also contains information.