SafePlants

Dot Lichen

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

Considerations for Pets

• Some dot lichens grow on trees and rocks and can be found in gardens or natural areas where pets may roam.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Group: Lichen
• Family: Arthoniaceae (for Arthonia and at least one species mentioned) or Icmadophilaceae (for Pink Dot Lichen)

Distribution and Habitat

• Dot lichens are found in various locations, including New Orleans (where they are reportedly abundant), Mount Rainier National Park (growing on rocks), Bahia Honda Key, Florida (growing on palm trees), and other regions.

Morphological Characteristics

• Dot lichens are generally small, often appearing as dots on surfaces.
• Mycobilimbia pilularis, a type of Dot Lichen, is described as a crustose lichen with a grayish-green thallus and yellowy-brown apothecia.
• Pink Dot Lichen (Dibaeis absoluta) has pink apothecia on short stalks.

Common Names and Examples

• Common Name: Dot Lichen
• Examples:
  • Orange Dot Lichen (Protoblastenia rupestris)
  • Birchbark Dot Lichen (Leptorhaphis epidermidis or Leptorhaphis atomaria)
  • Hidden Dot Lichen (Japewia tornoensis)
  • Pink Dot Lichen (Dibaeis absoluta)
  • Red Dot Lichen
  • City Dot Lichen (Scoliciosporum chlorococcum)
  • Granite Firedot Lichen (Caloplaca arenaria)
  • Multicolored Dot Lichen (Cliostomum griffithii)
  • Dispersed Dot Lichen (Arthonia dispersa)
  • Tuckerman's Dot Lichen (Arthonia tuckermaniana)
  • Nitschke's Dot Lichen (Micarea nitschkeana)

Resources and Further Information

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