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Dotted Lichen: A Comprehensive Overview

This page provides information about various lichens commonly referred to as "Dotted Lichen." The name "Dotted Lichen" applies to several species within the Bacidia genus and others. Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria.

Scientific and Common Names

• Common Name: Dotted Lichen
• Scientific Names: This common name applies to many species, including:
  • Bacidia arceutina
  • Bacidia polychroa
  • Bacidia rubella
  • Bacidia jacobi
  • Bacidia trachona
  • Bacidia granosa
  • Bacidia bagliettoana
  • Bacidia brouardii
  • Bacidia circumspecta

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Fungi (as the fungal component defines the lichen taxonomy)
• Phylum: Ascomycota (for many Bacidia species)
• Genus: Bacidia De Not.
• Family: Bacidiaceae
• Synonyms: Surprise Lichen (for Bacidia schweinitzii)

Distribution and Habitat

• Many Dotted Lichen species are widespread, particularly on trees.
• Ramalina farinacea (Dotted Ramalina) is tolerant of acidic conditions and commonly found on trees.
• Some species are found in alpine regions on granite and peat, such as in the Australian Capital Territory (Mount Bimberi).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Dotted Ramalina (Ramalina farinacea) is a fruticose lichen, meaning it has a shrubby, branching growth form.
• Other Dotted Lichens can be crustose, forming a crust-like layer on surfaces.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens, including Dotted Lichens, can serve as a food source for certain moth larvae. These larvae are sometimes camouflaged to blend in with the lichens.
• Lichens provide a resting place for insects, offering cryptic camouflage.

Resources and Further Information

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