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Acarospora: The Cracked Lichens

This page provides information about the Acarospora genus, a group of lichens commonly known as "cracked lichens." Lichens are fascinating composite organisms resulting from a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and algae or cyanobacteria.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Acarospora
• Common Name: Cracked Lichen
• Family: Acarosporaceae
• Group: Lichen

Several species within the Acarospora genus are mentioned:

• Acarospora aeruginosa Hasse - Cracked Lichen
• Acarospora bullata Anzi - Cracked Lichen
• Acarospora canadensis H. Magn. - Canada Cracked Lichen. Synonyms: Album-Canada cracked lichen
• Acarospora carnegiei Zahlbr. - Carnegie's Cracked Lichen
• Acarospora heppii - Hepp's cracked lichen
• Acarospora schleicheri - Schleicher's Cracked Lichen

Distribution and Habitat

• Acarospora species are found in various locations, including Canada, the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, and the Rocky Mountains.
• They are often found on rocks, including granite, limestone pavements, and exposed bedrock.
• They can colonize cracks and fissures in rocks.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Acarospora species grow on rocks, and in some cases might be accessible to pets that spend time outdoors.
• Cracks can form on the lichen surface.

Considerations for Children

• Some Acarospora species grow on rocks, and in some cases might be accessible to children who play outdoors.
• Cracks can form on the lichen surface.

Ecological Role

• Lichens play a role in various ecosystems, including taiga and tundra environments.
• They can be affected by factors such as snail herbivory, which can decrease cyanobacterial abundance and lichen diversity along cracks in limestone pavements.

Morphological Characteristics

• Acarospora lichens can exhibit diverse forms, including stratified foliose types.
• Their upper surface may be wrinkled or cracked.
• Some species can form areoles with fine cracks on a grey continuous thallus.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Acarospora lichens form symbiotic relationships with algae or cyanobacteria.
• They can be subject to herbivory by snails.

Further Information

• The "Lichens of North America" book is a valuable resource for identification and information.
• The Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, holds lichen specimens.