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dot lichen

Scientific Name: Arthonia gyalectoides

Family: Arthoniaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Dot Lichen: A Diverse Group of Lichens

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

Considerations for Pets

  • Some dot lichens grow on tree bark or rocks, locations where pets might explore and potentially come into contact with the lichen.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Group: Lichen
  • Family: Arthoniaceae (for Arthonia and related species) and Icmadophilaceae (for Dibaeis absoluta) and Micareaceae (for Micarea)

Distribution and Habitat

  • One source mentions that dot lichens are abundant in the New Orleans area.
  • Mycobilimbia pilularis is a dot lichen found growing on rocks.
  • Arthonia rubella has been observed on palm tree bark in Bahia Honda Key, Florida, USA.
  • Some dot lichens may be found growing in Mt. Rainier National Park.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Mycobilimbia pilularis is described as a crustose lichen with a grayish-green thallus and yellowy-brown apothecia.
  • Dibaeis absoluta (Pink Dot Lichen) has pink apothecia born on short stalks.

Quirky Facts

  • The text mentions someone saying "I'm lichen it!" in a Times article about eating oak moss.

Specific Species Mentioned

  • Arthonia arthonioides - Dot Lichen
  • Arthonia asteriscus - Dot Lichen
  • Arthonia exilis
  • Arthonia glebosa - Dot Lichen
  • Arthonia dispersa - Dispersed Dot Lichen
  • Arthonia tuckermaniana - Tuckerman's Dot Lichen
  • Bacidia rubella - Frosty-rimmed Dot Lichen
  • Cliostomum griffithii - Firedot lichen
  • Dibaeis absoluta - Pink Dot Lichen
  • Japewia tornoensis - Hidden Dot Lichen
  • Leptorhaphis epidermidis - Birchbark Dot Lichen
  • Leptorhaphis atomaria - Birchbark Dot Lichen
  • Micarea erratica - Erratic Dot Lichen
  • Micarea globulosella - Globe Dot Lichen
  • Micarea nitschkeana - Nitschke's Dot Lichen
  • Mycobilimbia pilularis - 'Dot Lichen'
  • Protoblastenia rupestris - Orange Dot Lichen
  • Scoliciosporum chlorococcum - City Dot Lichen (Synonym: Bacidia chlorococca)

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Missouri Botanical Garden (MO)
  • Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL)
  • WikiSpecies
  • Catalogue of Life
  • USDA Plant Database
  • Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany