SafePlants

Dot Lichen

The term "dot lichen" is a common name applied to lichens found within the genera Arthonia or Micarea. The phrase "dotted lichens" may refer to lichens in the genus Bacidia.

Considerations for Pets

• Small Size: Dot lichens, as the name suggests, often grow in small dots, which might be unintentionally ingested by pets.
• Presence on Trees/Rocks: Some dot lichens are found on tree bark and rocks, potentially exposing pets to them during outdoor exploration.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Group: Lichen
• Family: Arthoniaceae (for some species)
• Synonyms/Related Terms: "Dotted Lichens" (referring to lichens in the genus Bacidia)

Distribution and Habitat

• The text mentions their presence in the New Orleans area, Mount Rainier National Park (growing on rocks), Bahia Honda Key, Florida (on palm tree bark).
• Specific examples of dot lichens found on tree bark are mentioned, suggesting a common habitat.

Morphological Characteristics

• They are described as growing in "small dots."
• Mycobilimbia pilularis ('Dot Lichen') is mentioned as a crustose lichen with a grayish-green thallus and yellowy-brown apothecia.
• DIBAEIS ABSOLUTA (Pink Dot Lichen) has pink apothecia born on short stalks.

Quirky Facts

• One article headline playfully puns, "I'm lichen it!" referring to eating oak moss.

Related Species Examples:

• Birchbark Dot Lichen (Leptorhaphis)
• Hidden Dot Lichen (Japewia toroensis)
• Orange Dot Lichen (Protoblastenia rupestris)
• Frosty-rimmed Dot Lichen (Bacidia rubella)
• Granite Firedot Lichen (Caloplaca arenaria)
• City Dot Lichen (Scoliciosporum chlorococcum)
• Dispersed Dot Lichen (Arthonia dispersa)
• Tuckerman's Dot Lichen (Arthonia tuckermaniana)
• Nitschke's Dot Lichen (Micarea nitschkeana)
• Globe Dot Lichen (Micarea globulosella)
• Scatter-dot Goldspeck Lichen
• Sulfur Firedot Lichen

Further Information

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