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dot lichen

Scientific Name: Arthonia radiata

Family: Arthoniaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Dot Lichen

The term "Dot Lichen" is a common name applied to various lichens belonging to the genera Arthonia or Micarea. The term "Dotted lichens" refers to lichens in the genus Bacidia. These lichens, often small and inconspicuous, can be found in diverse environments.

It is important to note that the use of common names for lichens can sometimes be confusing, as the same common name may be applied to different species or genera.

Considerations for Pets

  • Lichens can grow on rocks.

Considerations for Children

  • Lichens can grow on rocks.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Group: Lichen
  • Family: Arthoniaceae (for some Dot Lichens) and Icmadophilaceae (for Pink Dot Lichen) and Micareaceae
  • Examples of species and genera include:
    • Arthonia arthonioides (Ach.) A.L. Sm. - Dot Lichen
    • Arthonia asteriscus Mll. Arg. - Dot Lichen
    • Dibaeis absoluta (Tuck.) Kalb & Gierl. - Pink Dot Lichen
    • Micarea erratica - Erratic Dot Lichen
    • Scoliciosporum chlorococcum - City Dot Lichen (Synonym: Bacidia chlorococca)
    • Leptorhaphis epidermidis - Birchbark Dot Lichen
    • Leptorhaphis atomaria - Birchbark Dot Lichen
    • Micarea globulosella - Globe Dot Lichen
    • Mycobilimbia pilularis - 'Dot Lichen'

Distribution and Habitat

  • Dot lichens can be found in various locations, including:
    • New Orleans area (abundant)
    • Mount Rainier National Park (growing on rocks)
    • Bahia Honda Key, Florida, USA (Arthonia rubella on Palm tree bark)

Morphological Characteristics

  • Mycobilimbia pilularis exhibits a grayish green crustose thallus and yellowy brown biatorine, convex apothecia.
  • Dibaeis absoluta has pink apothecia born on very short (ca. 1 mm) stalks.
  • Some lichens grow in small dots.

Quirky Facts

  • One article headline reads "I'm lichen it!", referring to eating oak moss.

Resources and Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • USDA
  • Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany
  • ResearchGate (for Conservation Assessment reports)
  • WikiSpecies