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Arthothelium Lichen

Arthothelium is a genus of lichen-forming fungi in the family Arthoniaceae.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arthothelium
• Rank: Genus, Species (depending on context)
• Family: Arthoniaceae
• Class: Arthoniomycetes
• Order: Arthoniales
• Phylum: Lichens
• Kingdom: Fungi (based on context of lichen-forming fungi)
• Synonyms:
  • Arthothelium ilicinum var. reagens
  • Arthothelium reagans

Common Names

• Arthothelium Lichen
• Jaguar-spot comma lichen (for Arthothelium ruanum)

Distribution and Habitat

• Widespread, with many species found globally.
• Specific locations mentioned include:
  • Britain (possible endemic species)
  • Singapore
  • Taiwan
  • India
  • Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
  • West Bengal, India
  • Michigan, USA (Cheboygan County)
• Habitats include:
  • Hazelwoods
  • Woodlands
  • Bark of trees (e.g., Beech, Rowan)
  • Corticolous (growing on bark) environments
  • Valencian Community, Spain (epiphytic on phorophytes)

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Lichenous growth habit.
• Arthothelium subcyrtodes has oblong spores, 16-26? long and 10-12? wide; hymenium gel turns blue with iodine, the spores turn yellow, and the ascus wall is not stained.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Components of foliicolous lichen flora.
• Epiphytic, growing on other plants (phorophytes).
• May be affected by the presence/absence of certain trees.
• Involves symbiotic relationship between fungi, alga and/or cyanobacterium

Resources and Further Information

• NBNSYS0000015525 (Taxon Version Key)
• EOL (Encyclopedia of Life)
• Drone-Application-Server database
• New Crops Web Site (Australian)
• Australian New Crops Web Site
• Smithsonian
• SingaLichens (Singapore)
• WBPBDIVDB A Database of Plant Biodiversity of West Bengal

Quirky Facts

• Arthothelium ruanum is known as the "Jaguar-spot comma lichen" due to its distinctive appearance.