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Athelia: A Genus of Corticioid Fungi

Athelia is a fascinating genus of corticioid fungi belonging to the family Atheliaceae. These fungi exhibit diverse lifestyles, including some species that act as facultative parasites on plants, crops, and lichens.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Athelia species are known to be parasites of plants, including crops. In some environments, they are aggressive pathogens.

Considerations for Children

• Some Athelia species are known to be parasites of plants, including crops. In some environments, they are aggressive pathogens.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Athelia
• Family: Atheliaceae
• Other Scientific Names:
  • Athelia epiphylla Pers.
  • Athelia arachnoidea (Berk.) Julich

Common Names

• Athelia Lichen
• Poelt's Athelia Lichen

Distribution and Habitat

• Athelia arachnoidea is common and evenly distributed in Belarus.
• Distribution of Athelia arachnoidea is recorded in the UK.
• They can be found in various regions including Germany, Scotland and Dorset.

Ecological Role

• Some Athelia species, such as Athelia arachnoidea, are aggressive pathogens of epiphytic lichen and algae communities. They can kill entire corticolous vegetation.
• Athelia arachnoidea parasitizes epiphytic lichens, green coccoid algae, and mosses.

Morphological Characteristics

• Athelia arachnoidea forms white to cream, ring-like growths.
• The fruiting body of Athelia arachnoidea is thin and arachnoid.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Athelia arachnoidea is a parasite of lichens and can cause a rot of carrots in cold storage.
• It parasitizes epiphytic lichens, green coccoid algae, and mosses.
• It can be found in association with lichens such as Physcia tenella.

Further Information

• Encyclopedia of Life
• Wikipedia
• AusFungi
• Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (Northern Ireland)
• British Lichen Society - BLS Lichen Database
• Australian New Crops Web Site
• Garden Guides