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Dot Lichen: A Diverse Group of Lichens

The common name "Dot Lichen" refers to lichens belonging to either the genus Arthonia or the genus Micarea. Additionally, lichens in the genus Bacidia are sometimes referred to as "Dotted Lichens." This name reflects their appearance, often characterized by small, dot-like structures on their substrate.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Some dot lichens are found on tree bark and rocks, potentially within reach of children and pets in gardens or natural environments.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Arthoniaceae is mentioned in relation to lichens with the symbol ARTHO and ARGL17.
• Several species are mentioned as examples:
  • Arthonia arthonioides
  • Arthonia asteriscus
  • Arthonia dispersa (dispersed dot lichen)
  • Arthonia tuckermaniana (Tuckerman's dot lichen)
  • Arthonia glebosa
• Synonyms and related names:
  • Bacidia chlorococca is a synonym for Scoliciosporum chlorococcum (City Dot Lichen).

Distribution and Habitat

• Dot lichens are found in various locations, including:
  • New Orleans area (general mention of abundant lichens)
  • Mt. Rainier National Park (lichen growing on rocks)
  • Bahia Honda Key, Florida, USA (Arthonia rubella on Palm tree bark)

Morphological Characteristics

• Mycobilimbia pilularis is described as a crustose lichen with a grayish green thallus (body) and yellowy brown apothecia (fruiting bodies).
• DIBAEIS ABSOLUTA (Pink Dot Lichen) is characterized by pink apothecia on short stalks.

Quirky Facts

• One article headline about eating oak moss was: 'I'm lichen it!'

Further Information

• Encyclopedia of Life
• Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
• USDA
• Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany
• ResearchGate (for Conservation Assessments)
• WikiSpecies
• Birchbark Dot Lichen (Leptorhaphis)