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dot lichen

Scientific Name: Arthonia aleuromela

Family: Arthoniaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Dot Lichen

The term "Dot Lichen" is a common name applied to lichens belonging to the genera Arthonia or Micarea. The term "Dotted Lichens" refers to lichens in the genus Bacidia.

It is important to note that common names for lichens can sometimes be the same as scientific names, leading to potential confusion.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some preserved lichens may be used in pendants and other jewelry.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Group: Lichen
  • Family: Arthoniaceae (for some Dot Lichens)
  • Genera Include: Arthonia, Micarea, Bacidia
  • Species Examples:
    • Arthonia arthonioides - Dot Lichen
    • Arthonia asteriscus - Dot Lichen
    • Arthonia glebosa - Dot Lichen
    • Arthonia exilis
    • Arthonia dispersa (dispersed dot lichen)
    • Arthonia tuckermaniana (Tuckerman's dot lichen)
    • Micarea nitschkeana (Nitschke's dot lichen)
    • Micarea globulosella (Globe Dot Lichen)
    • Bacidia rubella (Frosty-rimmed Dot Lichen)
    • Dibaeis absoluta (Pink Dot Lichen)
    • Scoliciosporum chlorococcum (City Dot Lichen) Synonyms: Bacidia chlorococca
  • Alternative Scientific Names/Synonyms: Some species previously classified under different genera (e.g., Bacidia chlorococca for City Dot Lichen).

Distribution and Habitat

  • Dot Lichens are found in various locations, including:
    • Mount Rainier National Park (growing on rocks).
    • New Orleans area (reportedly abundant).
    • Bahia Honda Key, Florida (on palm tree bark).

Morphological Characteristics

  • Mycobilimbia pilularis ("Dot Lichen") is a crustose lichen with a grayish-green thallus and yellowy-brown biatorine, convex apothecia. It does not have soredia or isidia.
  • DIBAEIS ABSOLUTA (Pink Dot Lichen) has pink apothecia born on very short (ca. 1 mm) stalks.

Quirky Facts

  • One source mentions seeing the headline "I'm lichen it!" on an article about eating oak moss in the *Times*.

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Catalogue of Life
  • USDA
  • ResearchGate
  • Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany
  • WikiSpecies