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leptochidium lichen

Scientific Name: Leptochidium

Family: Placynthiaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Leptochidium albociliatum: Whiskered Jelly Lichen

Leptochidium albociliatum, commonly known as Whiskered Jelly Lichen, is a fascinating lichen species found in various parts of the world. It is also known by other common names like whiskered codger or tarpaper lichen.

Considerations for Pets

  • This lichen has "whiskers" which may present a curiosity to pets, but are generally not harmful.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

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

Distribution and Habitat

  • This lichen has been found in locations such as the Greater Sonoran Desert region, California, central Nevada, and on siliceous rocks on lake shores in arctic-alpine environments.
  • It frequently grows on mossy rocks or rarely on soil.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Leptochidium is a lichenized genus of fungi characterized by white hairs on the upper surface.
  • It is a foliose lichen, similar in appearance to many Leptogium species.
  • Under magnification, the marginal "whiskers" on the lobe margins are more clearly seen.
  • All Leptochidium species are darkly colored, gelatinous lichens that swell and become jelly-like when wet.

Ecological Role

  • Leptochidium albociliatum can act as an indicator species for changes in bryophyte- and lichen-dominated crusts.
  • The species Lichenopyrenis galligena is a cecidiogenous species parasitic on Leptochidium albociliatum.

Quirky Facts

  • One of the common names, "Whiskered Jelly Lichen," refers to its gelatinous texture and the distinctive "whiskers" on its lobe margins.

Further Information

  • Arizona State University Lichen Herbarium
  • GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) view on Leptochidium
  • Discover Life: history, ecology, identification and distribution of Leptochidium albociliatum - Leptogium pilosellum

References

  • Nash, T.H., Ryan, B.D., Gries, C., Bungartz, F., (eds.) 2001. Greater Sonoran Desert Lichen Flora.
  • Jrgensen, P.M. 2006. Leptochidium crenulatum, a misunderstood arctic-alpine lichen. Graphis Scripta. 18:19-22.