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Arthonia dispersa: Dispersed Dot Lichen

Arthonia dispersa, commonly known as the dispersed dot lichen, is a fascinating lichen species within the Arthoniaceae family.

Considerations for Pets

• This lichen often appears as small black dots on surfaces. While lichens are not typically considered toxic, curious pets might ingest them if accessible.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arthonia dispersa (Schrad.) Nyl.
• Rank: Species
• Family: Arthoniaceae
• Common Name: Dispersed dot lichen
• Symbol: ARDI20

Distribution and Habitat

• This species has been identified in various regions, including the United States, Australia, and the Czech Republic.

Morphological Characteristics

• Arthonia dispersa often presents as small, dot-like structures on its substrate.
• The apothecia (fruiting bodies) frequently appear as tiny black dots.

Ecology and Dispersal

• Lichens like Arthonia dispersa disperse through fungal spores, which must combine with suitable algae or cyanobacteria to form a new lichen.
• They rely on mechanisms like wind and raindrops to disperse spores.
• Some lichens exhibit specialized structures like isidia for vegetative propagation, which can break off and be dispersed.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens are composite organisms that arise from a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria.

Further Information

• Checklist and Red List of lichens of the Czech Republic: http://www.preslia.cz/P082Lis.pdf
• Australian New Crops Web Site
• Lichen Flora of the Greater Sonoran Desert Region
• The Lichens of Great Britain and Ireland

Quirky Facts

• The spores of some lichens are released from flask-like structures that appear as black dots on the lichen surface.