SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 3218.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "3218" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

shell lichen

Scientific Name: Arthopyrenia majuscula

Family: Arthopyreniaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Shell Lichen: A Symbiotic Marvel

Shell lichen isn't a single species, but rather a common name applied to various lichens, especially those belonging to the genus Arthopyrenia. Lichens themselves are fascinating composite organisms resulting from a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some snails graze on lichens, and some even attach lichen to their shells. If your pet snails happen to be eating shell lichens, be sure that they do not contain any toxins or harmful elements.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

  • Kingdom: Fungi (as one component of the lichen is a fungus)
  • Family: Arthopyreniaceae
  • Genus: Arthopyrenia
  • Common Name: Shell Lichen
  • Species: Examples include Arthopyrenia cinchonae, Arthopyrenia cinereopruinosa, and Arthopyrenia malaccitula.
  • Synonyms: There are references to Salted Shell Lichen, which is also known as Coccocarpia palmicola.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Shell lichens are found in various environments, including marine intertidal zones, as indicated by Thelidium litorale growing on shells.
  • They also occur inland, with examples documented in locations like Allegany Co., Maryland.
  • One example was even found and collected in the Scottish Highlands, attached to a shell.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Shell lichens are lichenous, meaning they have a growth habit characteristic of lichens.
  • They can be crusty in appearance, forming a close layer on the surface they inhabit.
  • Some shell lichens are described as small and shell-like, pioneering life on rocks.
  • Some snails can encourage prominent lichen protuberances on their shells.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Some snails graze on shell lichens.
  • The black lichen, Verrucaria mucosa, can be seen growing on limpet shells.

Resources and Further Information

  • Maryland Biodiversity provides information and images of shell lichens.
  • Wikimedia Commons hosts images of Salted Shell Lichen.
  • The Species at Risk website (www.sararegistry.gc.ca) may contain information on specific shell lichen species.