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sphinctrina lichen

Scientific Name: Sphinctrina leucopoda

Family: Sphinctrinaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Sphinctrina turbinata

Sphinctrina turbinata, also referred to as sphinctrina lichen and pin lichen, is a fascinating lichen belonging to the Sphinctrinaceae family. It's sometimes called English Puckered Pin (specifically, referring to *Sphinctrina anglica*). This lichen exhibits a parasitic or commensalistic life habit, often found growing on other lichens.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Sphinctrina turbinata (Pers.) De Not. (1846)
  • Common Names: Sphinctrina lichen, Pin lichen, English Puckered Pin (*Sphinctrina anglica*)
  • Family: Sphinctrinaceae
  • Kingdom: Fungi (informally grouped with lichens)
  • Synonyms: Sphinctrina microcephala Nyl., Sphaeria sphincterica Sowerby (for Sphinctrina turbinata)
  • Other Species: Sphinctrina anglica Nyl., Sphinctrina tubiformis A. Massal., Sphinctrina leucopoda Nyl., Sphinctrina paramerae, Sphinctrina benmargana

Distribution and Habitat

Sphinctrina turbinata can be found in various regions, including the UK, Europe, and the Greater Sonoran Desert Region. Some related species like *Pannaria sphinctrina* are exclusively panaustral. *Sphinctrina benmargana* has been found in the Netherlands Antilles. It often grows as a parasite on living lichens.

Ecological Role

As a lichenicolous fungus, Sphinctrina species play a role in lichen communities by parasitizing other lichens. Some species are restricted to lichens of specific genera, such as Protoparmelia.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Sphinctrina anglica has apothecia that are 0.2-0.4 mm tall with a short, black stalk.
  • It is described as stubble-like.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Sphinctrina species are lichenicolous fungi, meaning they parasitize other lichens.
  • Sphinctrina turbinata has been observed growing on Pertusaria pertusa.
  • *Sphinctrina anglica* is a specialized parasite restricted to lichens of the genera *Protoparmelia*.

Further Information

  • Greater Sonoran Desert Lichen Flora
  • Nordic Lichen Flora
  • NBN (data.nbn.org.uk) - UK distribution map for Sphinctrina leucopoda
  • Lichens of Great Britain and Ireland
  • British Lichen Society