SafePlants

Dot Lichen

The term "Dot Lichen" is a common name applied to lichens belonging to the genera Arthonia or Micarea. Additionally, lichens in the genus Bacidia are referred to as "Dotted Lichens."

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Group: Lichen
• Family: Arthoniaceae (for Arthonia and possibly other Dot Lichens) and Ramalinaceae for poplar dot lichen
• Kingdom: Fungi (Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria)
• Other Scientific Names/Synonyms: Mentions several specific Dot Lichen species with scientific names (see examples below)

Considerations for Pets

While the provided text does not explicitly mention toxicity, lichens growing on trees might attract animals. Please be aware of the potential presence of lichens on outdoor surfaces.

Considerations for Children

Lichens growing on rocks and trees may be encountered during outdoor activities. Direct contact or ingestion should be avoided.

Distribution and Habitat

• Dot Lichens can be found in various locations, including Mount Rainier National Park (growing on rocks), New Orleans area, and on palm tree bark in Florida.
• Specific habitats include tree bark (e.g., birchbark for Birchbark Dot Lichen) and rocks.

Morphological Characteristics

• Dot Lichens are often small and dot-like in appearance.
• Mycobilimbia pilularis (a Dot Lichen) is described as a crustose lichen with a grayish-green thallus and yellowy-brown apothecia.

Quirky Facts

• One source mentions an article about eating oak moss with the humorous headline, "I'm lichen it!"

Examples of Dot Lichen Species (mentioned in the text)

• Birchbark Dot Lichen (Leptorhaphis epidermidis and Leptorhaphis atomaria)
• Orange Dot Lichen (Protoblastenia rupestris)
• Hidden Dot Lichen (Japewia tornoensis)
• Pink Dot Lichen (Dibaeis absoluta)
• Frosty-rimmed Dot Lichen (Bacidia rubella)
• Cherry-laurel Dot Lichen
• City Dot Lichen (Scoliciosporum chlorococcum, syn. Bacidia chlorococca)
• Granite Firedot Lichen (Caloplaca arenaria)
• Firedot Lichen (Caloplaca holocarpa)
• Multicolored Dot Lichen (Cliostomum griffithii)
• Dispersed Dot Lichen (Arthonia dispersa)
• Tuckerman's Dot Lichen (Arthonia tuckermaniana)
• Nitschke's Dot Lichen (Micarea nitschkeana)

Further Information

• Encyclopedia of Life
• Catalogue of Life
• ResearchGate (for conservation assessments)
• Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History
• USDA
• WikiSpecies