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Dotted Lichen: A Detailed Overview

The term "Dotted Lichen" encompasses various species within the Bacidia genus and other related genera. This overview compiles information regarding its classification, distribution, and other relevant details.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that moths use lichens for cryptic camouflage, and their larvae may feed on them. This information suggests potential interactions with invertebrates, which might be relevant to owners of insectivorous pets.

Considerations for Children

• Some Dotted Lichens grow on trees and rocks. Children interacting with these outdoor environments might come into contact with lichens.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: While "Dotted Lichen" is a common name, it refers to various species, including those in the genus Bacidia.
• Common Name: Dotted Lichen. Several species have "Dotted Lichen" as part of their common name, for example, Jacob's Dotted Lichen.
• Kingdom: Fungi (for species within the Bacidia genus).
• Phylum: Ascomycota (for species within the Bacidia genus, as they belong to the Ascomycota phylum.)
• Family: Bacidiaceae (the botanical family for at least some Dotted Lichens).
• Synonyms/Related Species:
  • Bacidia rosella
  • Bacidia trachona
  • Bacidia jacobi
  • Bacidia arceutina
  • Bacidia polychroa
  • Bacidia rubella
  • Bacidia schweinitzii (Synonym: Surprise Lichen)
  • Bacidia aggregatula
  • Bacidia bagliettoana (Baglietto'a dotted lichen)
  • Bacidia brouardii (Brouard's dotted lichen)
  • Bacidia circumspecta (circumspect dotted lichen)
  • Bacidia granosa

Distribution and Habitat

• The text indicates that some Dotted Lichen species are widespread on trees, particularly those tolerant of acidic conditions.
• The text also mentions lichens found on alpine granite and peat in the Australian Capital Territory.
• Reference to finding lichens on a maple branch along the Whistle Punk Trail, near the old Wind River Tree Farm, Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Ecological Role

• The text mentions that some lichens serve as a food source for moth larvae and provide camouflage for adult moths.

Morphological Characteristics

• Dotted Ramalina is described as a fruticose lichen.
• Some lichens are crustose.

Quirky Facts

• The text references "Dumfries Lichen" as part of a custom fabrics range, highlighting an unusual application of the lichen name in commercial contexts.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Moth larvae feed on lichens. The larvae can be bright green with large black dots.
• The lichens provide cryptic camouflage for moths.

Resources and Further Information

• Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
• Encyclopedia of Life
• WikiSpecies