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dot lichen
Scientific Name: Arthonia
Family: Arthoniaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Dot Lichen: A Diverse Group of Lichens
The term "Dot Lichen" is a common name applied to various lichens belonging to the genera Arthonia or Micarea. Additionally, lichens within the genus Bacidia are sometimes referred to as "Dotted Lichens." The use of common names can sometimes be confusing, as a common name for a lichen genus might overlap with the scientific name of a lichen species.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Group: Lichen
- Family: Arthoniaceae (for Arthonia species) and Micareaceae (for Micarea species) and Icmadophilaceae for Pink Dot Lichen (Dibaeis absoluta)
- Rank: Genus
Distribution and Habitat
Dot lichens can be found in diverse environments. For example, they can be observed on rocks in Mt. Rainier National Park, New Orleans, Bahia Honda Key, Florida, USA and on palm tree bark. Some species like Birchbark Dot Lichen are found on trees. The abundance and specific habitat depend on the lichen species.
Considerations for Pets
The text mentions the presence of lichens on tree bark and rocks. Owners of pets that have access to such environments should be aware of the presence of lichens in those areas.
Morphological Characteristics
- Mycobilimbia pilularis (Dot Lichen) is a crustose lichen with a grayish-green thallus lacking soredia or isidia and yellowish-brown biatorine, convex apothecia.
- DIBAEIS ABSOLUTA (Pink Dot Lichen) has pink apothecia born on short stalks (approximately 1 mm).
Ecological Role
In the New Orleans area, it is argued that dot lichen are the most abundant type of lichen.
Examples of Dot Lichens
- Arthonia arthonioides - Dot Lichen
- Arthonia asteriscus - Dot Lichen
- Arthonia glebosa - Dot Lichen
- Arthonia dispersa - Dispersed Dot Lichen
- Arthonia tuckermaniana - Tuckerman's Dot Lichen
- Frosty-rimmed Dot Lichen (Bacidia rubella)
- City Dot Lichen (Scoliciosporum chlorococcum, Syn: Bacidia chlorococca)
- Erratic Dot Lichen (Micarea erratica)
- Micarea nitschkeana (Nitschke's Dot Lichen)
- Birchbark Dot Lichen (Leptorhaphis epidermidis and Leptorhaphis atomaria)
- Globe Dot Lichen (Micarea globulosella)
- Orange Dot Lichen (Protoblastenia rupestris)
Resources
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Catalogue of Life
- Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany
- USDA