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dotted lichen
Scientific Name: Bacidia arceutina
Family: Bacidiaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Dotted Lichen: A Diverse Group of Lichens
The term "Dotted Lichen" is used as a common name for various species within the genus Bacidia, as well as for some species in the Ramalina genus.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Bacidia De Not.
- Family: Bacidiaceae
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Ascomycota (in the case of Bacidia schweinitzii and likely others)
- Class: Lecanoromycetes (in the case of Bacidia schweinitzii and likely others)
- Order: (not specified in text beyond Lecanoromycetes)
Synonyms and related species mentioned include:
- Bacidia rosella (Pers.) De Not.
- Bacidia trachona
- Bacidia jacobi
- Bacidia rubella (Hoffm.) A. Massal.
- Bacidia arceutina
- Bacidia polychroa
- Bacidia bagliettoana (Baglietto's dotted lichen)
- Bacidia brouardii (Brouard's dotted lichen)
- Bacidia circumspecta (circumspect dotted lichen)
- Bacidia aggregatula Malme
- Bacidia granosa (Tuck.) Zahlbr.
- Bacidia heterochroa
- Bacidia schweinitzii (Synonym: Surprise Lichen)
- Ramalina farinacea (Dotted ramalina)
- Ramalina fastigiata (Dotted Ribbon Lichen)
- Ramalina menziesii
Distribution and Habitat
- Dotted Ramalina is widespread on trees, particularly in areas with acidic conditions.
- Observed in the Australian Capital Territory on alpine granite and peat at Mount Bimberi.
- Also found near the old Wind River Tree Farm, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, growing on a maple branch.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Dotted Ramalina is described as a fruticose (shrubby) lichen, though more slender than some other shrubby lichens.
Ecological Role
- Lichens, including Dotted Lichens, provide camouflage for moths.
- Certain moth larvae, characterized as bright green with large black dots, feed on lichens such as beard lichen.
- A rare lichen-feeding moth species, Dotted Carpet, is associated with old, established woodland.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Moths use lichens for cryptic camouflage.
- Larvae of certain moths feed on lichens.
Quirky Facts
- The common name "Dotted Lichen" can refer to multiple species across different genera (Bacidia and Ramalina).
Resources and Further Information
- Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
- Encyclopedia of Life
- WikiSpecies