SafePlants

Dot Lichen: A World of Tiny Wonders

The term "Dot Lichen" serves as a common name for lichens belonging to either the genus Arthonia or the genus Micarea. "Dotted lichens" may also refer to lichens in the genus Bacidia. These unassuming organisms often go unnoticed, yet they play a significant role in various ecosystems.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Common Name: Dot Lichen
• Genera: Arthonia, Micarea, Bacidia
• Family: Arthoniaceae (for some Dot Lichens)
• Kingdom: Fungi
• Examples:
  • Pink Dot Lichen: Dibaeis absoluta (Family: Icmadophilaceae)
  • Orange Dot Lichen: Protoblastenia rupestris
  • Birchbark Dot Lichen: Leptorhaphis epidermidis and Leptorhaphis atomaria
  • City Dot Lichen: Scoliciosporum chlorococcum (Synonym: Bacidia chlorococca)

Distribution and Habitat

• Dot lichens are found in diverse locations, including Mount Rainier National Park (growing on rocks) and Bahia Honda Key, Florida, USA (growing on Palm tree bark).
• The most abundant lichen in the New Orleans area is arguably a Dot Lichen, often unnoticed.

Morphological Characteristics

• Mycobilimbia pilularis ('Dot Lichen') is a crustose lichen with a grayish-green thallus.
• Pink Dot Lichen (Dibaeis absoluta) features pink apothecia born on very short stalks (approximately 1 mm).
• Some lichens grow in small dots.

Ecological Role

• Dot lichens can be found on various substrates, including tree bark and rocks.

Considerations for Pets

• Some lichens grow on rocks and Palm tree bark and may be encountered during outdoor activities.

Quirky Facts

• Some lichen genus descriptive names include: dot lichens ground rag sunken disk leaf dot fire dot jewel candle flame yolk goldspeck mottled ruffle shield honeycomb
• One article headline exclaimed "I'm lichen it!" when discussing the consumption of Oak moss.

Further Resources

• Encyclopedia of Life
• Catalogue of Life
• USDA
• Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany
• ResearchGate