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dot lichen

Scientific Name: Arthonia exilis

Family: Arthoniaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Dot Lichen

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

Dot lichens represent a diverse group of lichens, showcasing a variety of appearances and ecological roles.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Lichens grow in small dots on rocks and other surfaces and might attract attention.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Arthoniaceae (for some Dot Lichens)
  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • The provided text also mentions the family Icmadophilaceae for Pink Dot Lichen (Dibaeis absoluta).

Distribution and Habitat

  • Dot lichens can be found in various environments, including on palm tree bark (e.g., Arthonia rubella in Florida, USA), rocks in Mt. Rainier National Park, stone walls, and birchbark.
  • One source suggests a particular abundance of lichens in the New Orleans area.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Mycobilimbia pilularis (a Dot Lichen) is described as a crustose lichen with a grayish-green thallus, lacking soredia or isidia, and featuring yellowish-brown, convex apothecia.
  • Pink Dot Lichen (Dibaeis absoluta) has pink apothecia born on very short stalks.

Examples of Dot Lichens Mentioned

  • Birchbark Dot Lichen (Leptorhaphis)
  • Orange Dot Lichen (Protoblastenia rupestris)
  • Hidden Dot Lichen (Japewia tornoensis)
  • Pink Dot Lichen (Dibaeis absoluta)
  • Frosty-rimmed Dot Lichen (Bacidia rubella)
  • 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)

Associations

  • Some dot lichens grow on tree bark, as well as other surfaces such as rocks.

Resources and Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Catalogue of Life
  • ResearchGate (for Conservation Assessments)
  • USDA
  • Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany
  • MO, ToL, BHL, WikiSpecies (as "More info" links)