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Reticulate Echinothecium Lichen (Echinothecium reticulatum)

The Reticulate Echinothecium Lichen, scientifically known as Echinothecium reticulatum, is a fascinating lichen species. This page provides an overview of its classification, nomenclature, distribution, and ecological role.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Echinothecium reticulatum Zopf, 1898
• Common Name: Reticulate Echinothecium Lichen
• Kingdom: Fungi
• Phylum: Ascomycota (implied from "Sac Fungi")
• Class: Dothideomycetes
• Order: Capnodiales
• Family: Capnodiaceae
• Genus: Echinothecium
• Species: Echinothecium reticulatum
• Synonym: Sphaerellothecium reticulatum (Zopf) Etayo (originally named Echinothecium)

Distribution and Habitat

• The Reticulate Echinothecium Lichen has been recorded in various locations, including the Taimyr Peninsula (Byrranga Mts.) and Iceland.
• It is often found growing on other lichens, specifically crustose epilithic lichens.

Morphological Characteristics

• The Reticulate Echinothecium Lichen has a lichenous growth habit.
• It is described as a "plant of type Lichenous."

Ecological Role

• Echinothecium reticulatum is a parasite on Hypogamia lichen.
• It is also found growing on other lichens.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• It interacts with lichenicolous fungi, with some species growing on it or in association with it. Examples include Dactylospora parellaria, Endococcus exerrans, and Weddellomyces epicallopisma.
• It serves as a host for the lichenicolous fungus Echinothecium cladoniae.

Further Information

• Information can be found in the Botanische Staatssammlung München (M) fungal collection, with accession number M-Fungi Lichenicoli Exs.
• Arizona State University Lichen Collection
• The Panarctic Lichen Checklist provides information about its distribution.