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dot lichen

Scientific Name: Arthonia astericus

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. "Dotted lichens" may refer to lichens in the genus Bacidia. Several lichens have "dot lichen" as part of their common name, often in combination with another descriptor.

Note It is important to consult reliable field guides or expert resources to ensure accurate identification.

Considerations for Pets

  • Lichen is sometimes attached to tree bark, hemp or other organic material.
  • Some lichens are small with a dot-like appearance.
  • Preserved lichens can be found in jewelry such as necklaces and pendants.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Arthoniaceae and Ramalinaceae
  • Genera:
    • Arthonia
    • Micarea
    • Bacidia
    • Leptorhaphis
    • Dibaeis
    • Scoliciosporum
    • Trypethelium
    • Verrucaria
    • Punctelia
    • Biatora
    • Mycobilimbia
  • Synonyms: For City Dot Lichen (Scoliciosporum chlorococcum), Bacidia chlorococca is listed as a synonym.
  • Examples of Species and Common Names:
    • Arthonia arthonioides - Dot Lichen
    • Arthonia asteriscus - Dot Lichen
    • Dibaeis absoluta - Pink Dot Lichen
    • Arthonia glebosa - Dot Lichen
    • Scoliciosporum chlorococcum - City Dot Lichen
    • Leptorhaphis epidermidis - Birchbark Dot Lichen
    • Leptorhaphis atomaria - Birchbark Dot Lichen
    • Micarea globulosella - Globe Dot Lichen
    • Arthonia dispersa - Dispersed Dot Lichen
    • Arthonia tuckermaniana - Tuckerman's Dot Lichen
    • Micarea nitschkeana - Nitschke's Dot Lichen
    • Bacidia rubella - Frosty-rimmed Dot Lichen

Distribution and Habitat

  • Dot lichens can be found on various substrates, including rocks and tree bark.
  • Arthonia rubella has been observed on palm tree bark in Bahia Honda Key, Florida, USA.
  • Some dot lichens grow on rocks in Mt. Rainier National Park.
  • Dot lichens are abundant in the New Orleans area.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Mycobilimbia pilularis is described as a crustose lichen with a grayish green thallus, lacking soredia or isidia, and featuring yellowy brown biatorine, convex apothecia.
  • Dibaeis absoluta (Pink Dot Lichen) has pink apothecia on short stalks (approximately 1 mm).

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Some dot lichens grow on tree bark.
  • Dot lichens, specifically firedot lichens, may "cling" to substrates such as slabs.

Further Information

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