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arthrorhaphis lichen

Scientific Name: Arthrorhaphis

Family: Arthrorhaphidaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Arthrorhaphis Lichen

The Arthrorhaphis genus encompasses a group of fascinating lichens. This page delves into the details of several species, particularly Arthrorhaphis citrinella, exploring their classification, distribution, and ecological roles.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Arthrorhaphis citrinella (Ach.) Poelt
  • Common Name: Arthrorhaphis Lichen
  • Family: Arthrorhaphidaceae
  • Rank: Species
  • Genus: Arthrorhaphis Th. Fr.
  • Synonyms: Bacidia citrinella, Arthrorhaphis flavovirescens (A. Massal.) Th. Fr

Distribution and Habitat

Arthrorhaphis citrinella has a wide distribution, being found in locations such as:

  • New Zealand
  • Venezuela
  • British Columbia, Canada (Coast Ranges)
  • Britain and Ireland

It commonly grows on humus, turf, detritus, dead leaves, among bryophytes (mosses and liverworts), lichens and higher plants, and rarely on rocks. Alpine Arthrorhaphis Lichen grows on peat.

Ecological Role

  • Some species within Arthrorhaphis are lichenicolous, meaning they grow on other lichens. For example, Arthrorhaphis aeruginosa is a lichenicolous fungus.

Other Notable Species

  • Arthrorhaphis alpina (Schaerer) R. Sant.: Commonly known as Alpine Arthrorhaphis Lichen.
  • Arthrorhaphis grisea Th. Fr.: Found in Britain and Ireland, and also reported from Poland where it is considered threatened.
  • Arthrorhaphis vacillans Th. Fr. & Almq. ex Fr.: Distribution can be seen on the 10km sq distribution map.

Quirky Facts

  • Arthrorhaphis aeruginosa causes dark blue-green covers on Cladonia squamules (another type of lichen).
  • One record shows Arthrorhaphis alpina growing on peat and a photo was taken through a dissecting microscope.