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dot lichen

Scientific Name: Micarea assimilata

Family: Micareaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Dot Lichen

The term "Dot Lichen" is a common name applied to lichens belonging to either the genus Arthonia or the genus Micarea. "Dotted lichens" specifically refer to lichens in the genus Bacidia. This term encompasses various species and forms within these genera.

Considerations for Pets

  • Lichens often grow on rocks, trees, and other outdoor surfaces. Pets exploring these areas may come into contact with them.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Names: Arthonia, Micarea, Bacidia
  • Family: Arthoniaceae (for some Dot Lichens, such as Arthonia)
  • Rank: Genus
  • Synonyms:
    • Bacidia chlorococca (synonym for Scoliciosporum chlorococcum, City Dot Lichen)
    • Lecidea russula (synonym for Pyrrhospora russula)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Dot Lichens have a broad distribution, including:
    • Arctic Eurasia
    • Europe
    • Americas (including North America and Mexico)
    • Australasia
  • They can be found growing on rocks, including in locations such as Mt. Rainier National Park, as well as on tree bark, as observed on palm trees in Bahia Honda Key, Florida.
  • They can also be found on stone walls.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Dot lichens are characterized by their small, dot-like appearance.
  • Pink Dot Lichen (Dibaeis absoluta) has pink apothecia (fruiting bodies) on short stalks (approximately 1 mm) arising from a greenish crustose primary thallus.
  • Speckled Shield Lichens (Punctelia bolliana) are grey foliose lichens with tiny white dots and lobules.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Dot lichens can be found growing alongside other lichen species, such as Lecanora caesiorubella and Ochrolechia africana.

Resources and Further Information

  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • iNaturalist.org
  • LIASlight
  • ResearchGate (for Conservation Assessments)
  • Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany
  • WikiSpecies
  • MO (likely refers to Missouri Botanical Garden)
  • ToL (likely refers to Tree of Life Web Project)
  • BHL (likely refers to Biodiversity Heritage Library)

Quirky Facts

  • The text mentions someone saw the headline: 'I'm lichen it!' in an article about eating oak moss.