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dot lichen

Scientific Name: Arthonia siderea

Family: Arthoniaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Dot Lichen

The term "Dot Lichen" is a common name applied to lichens belonging to the genera Arthonia or Micarea. "Dotted lichens" may refer to lichens in the genus Bacidia.

Lichens are composite organisms consisting of a symbiotic association between a fungus (the mycobiont) and one or more photosynthetic partners (the photobiont), usually algae or cyanobacteria.

Considerations for Pets

  • Lichens may grow on rocks or tree bark, surfaces that pets might interact with, especially outdoors.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Group: Lichen
  • Family: Arthoniaceae (for Arthonia and related genera), Icmadophilaceae (for Dibaeis absoluta), Micareaceae (for Micarea erratica)
  • Genera: Arthonia, Micarea, Bacidia.
  • Species Examples:
    • Arthonia arthonioides
    • Arthonia asteriscus
    • Arthonia exilis
    • Arthonia glebosa
    • Arthonia dispersa
    • Arthonia tuckermaniana
    • Arthonia rubella
    • Micarea nitschkeana
    • Dibaeis absoluta (Pink Dot Lichen)
    • Leptorhaphis epidermidis (Birchbark Dot Lichen)
    • Leptorhaphis atomaria (Birchbark Dot Lichen)
    • Micarea globulosella (Globe Dot Lichen)
    • Micarea erratica (Erratic Dot Lichen)
    • Scoliciosporum chlorococcum (City Dot Lichen), Synonyms: Bacidia chlorococca.
    • Mycobilimbia pilularis (Dot Lichen)
  • Synonyms: Some species previously classified under other genera may now be classified as Dot Lichens (e.g., Bacidia chlorococca is a synonym for Scoliciosporum chlorococcum, City Dot Lichen).

Distribution and Habitat

  • Dot lichens can be found in various environments, including on rocks (e.g., in Mt. Rainier National Park), tree bark (e.g., on palm trees in Bahia Honda Key, Florida), and birch bark.
  • They have been observed in the New Orleans area.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Mycobilimbia pilularis is described as a crustose lichen with a grayish green thallus without soredia or isidia and yellowy brown biatorine, convex apothecia.
  • Dibaeis absoluta (Pink Dot Lichen) has pink apothecia born on very short stalks.
  • They often grow in small dots.

Quirky Facts

  • One article headline mentioned "I'm lichen it!" in relation to eating oak moss.

Further Information

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