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Leptochidium albociliatum: Whiskered Jelly Lichen

Leptochidium albociliatum, commonly known as Whiskered Jelly Lichen, is a fascinating lichen species. It is sometimes also referred to as Leptochidium Lichen. Other common names include Whiskered Codger and Tarpaper Lichen.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Leptochidium albociliatum (Desmaz.) M. Choisy
• Kingdom: Fungi
• Family: Massalongiaceae
• Genus: Leptochidium M. Choisy
• Synonyms:
  • Leptogium albociliatum Desmaz.
  • Leptogium pilosellum G. Merr.
  • Polychidium albociliatum (Desmaz.) Zahlbr.

Distribution and Habitat

• Leptochidium albociliatum has been found in locations such as California, the Pacific Islands, and the Vadstena area. It is also known to inhabit the Greater Sonoran Desert Region.
• It is often found on mossy rocks or rarely on soil. It has also been found on siliceous rocks on lake shores, and on saxicolous bryophytes.

Morphological Characteristics

• Leptochidium species are darkly-colored gelatinous lichens.
• Leptochidium albociliatum is a foliose lichen.
• A key feature is the presence of stiff white "whiskers" on the lobe margins, which are more clearly seen under magnification.

Ecological Role

• Leptochidium albociliatum can serve as an indicator species in certain environments, such as bryophyte- and lichen-dominated crusts.
• There's evidence that it is parasitized by the cecidiogenous species *Lichenopyrenis galligena*.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Leptochidium albociliatum can be found growing on bryophytes.
• It is a host to the parasitic lichen *Lichenopyrenis galligena*.

Further Information

• Arizona State University Lichen Herbarium
• Discover Life
• Stephen Sharnoff's Lichen Photos
• ABRS (for Checklist of Pacific Island Lichens)