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Dot Lichen

The term "Dot Lichen" is a common name applied to various lichens, particularly those belonging to the genera Arthonia and Micarea. The term "Dotted Lichens" are applied to lichens in the genus Bacidia. These lichens are characterized by their small, dot-like appearance.

Considerations for Pets

• Lichens can grow on a variety of surfaces, including rocks, tree bark, and even fabrics.

Considerations for Children

• Lichens can grow on a variety of surfaces, including rocks, tree bark, and even fabrics.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Group: Lichen
• Family: Arthoniaceae (for some Dot Lichens)
• Family: Icmadophilaceae (for Pink Dot Lichen - Dibaeis absoluta)
• Genus: Arthonia, Micarea, Bacidia (Dotted Lichens)
• Synonyms: Bacidia chlorococca (synonym for Scoliciosporum chlorococcum - City Dot Lichen)
• Examples:
  • Pink Dot Lichen: Dibaeis absoluta (Tuck.) Kalb & Gierl
  • City Dot Lichen: Scoliciosporum chlorococcum
  • Orange Dot Lichen: Protoblastenia rupestris

Distribution and Habitat

• Dot lichens can be found on various substrates such as rocks and tree bark.
• The text mentions the presence of certain dot lichens in specific locations, such as:
  • New Orleans area
  • Mt. Rainier National Park (grows on rocks)
  • Bahia Honda Key, Florida (on Palm tree bark)

Morphological Characteristics

• Dot lichens are generally small and dot-like in appearance.
• Some, like Mycobilimbia pilularis ('Dot Lichen'), are crustose lichens with a grayish-green thallus and yellowy-brown apothecia.
• Pink Dot Lichen (Dibaeis absoluta) features pink apothecia born on short stalks.

Quirky Facts

• Arguably, the most abundant lichen in the New Orleans area goes unnoticed by most people.

Resources and Further Information

• Catalogue of Life
• USDA
• Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany
• ResearchGate
• MO (likely refers to the Missouri Botanical Garden)
• ToL (Tree of Life Web Project)
• BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library)
• WikiSpecies