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melaspilea lichen

Scientific Name: Melaspilea deformis

Family: Melaspileaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Melaspilea Lichen

The Melaspilea lichen is not a single species but a group of lichens belonging to the genus Melaspilea. Several species are commonly referred to as "melaspilea lichen," including Melaspilea demissa, Melaspilea lentiginosula, and Melaspilea maculosa.

Considerations for Pets

  • Lichens, in general, may be found on rocks, trees, or other outdoor surfaces.

Considerations for Children

  • Lichens, in general, may be found on rocks, trees, or other outdoor surfaces.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Melaspilea spp.
  • Common Name: Melaspilea Lichen
  • Family: Melaspileaceae
  • Kingdom: (Implied: Fungi)
  • Rank: Genus
  • Synonyms:
    • Hazlinszkya Krb.
    • Melanographa Mll. Arg.
    • Melaspileella (P. Karst.) Vain.
    • Melaspileomyces Cif.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in various regions, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe (e.g., Dorset, UK; Turkey; Armenia).
  • Melaspilea lentiginosa has a UK distribution map available via NBN (data.nbn.org.uk).
  • Some species, like Melaspilea circumserpens, were initially known only from their type specimen.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Many Melaspilea lichens are crustose, meaning they form a crust-like layer on their substrate.
  • The thallus (body) of some species is immersed within the host lichen, sometimes suppressed or even absent.
  • Apothecia (fruiting bodies) can be numerous and scattered over the thallus.
  • Some species exhibit tiny, contorted scribbles, like Melaspilea atroides.

Ecological Role

  • Some Melaspilea species are lichenicolous, meaning they grow on other lichens as parasites. Melaspilea lentiginosa is specifically mentioned as a lichenicolous lichen.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Melaspilea lichens can be associated with veteran trees, providing habitat for various organisms such as fungi, mosses, beetles, birds, and bats.
  • They can also be associated with other lichens, like Pyrenula nitida and Thelopsis rubella.
  • Fungi other than the lichen mycobiont frequently co-occur within lichen thalli and on the same.

Further Information

  • British Lichen Society (BLS)
  • Catalogue of Life
  • NBN (National Biodiversity Network) data.nbn.org.uk (for UK distribution maps)
  • ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System)