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belonia lichen

Scientific Name: Belonia russula

Family: Gyalectaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Belonia Lichen

Belonia is a genus of lichen belonging to the Gyalectaceae family.

Considerations for Pets

  • Lichens, in general, can sometimes harbor small invertebrates.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Belonia (genus)
  • Family: Gyalectaceae
  • Rank: Genus, Species
  • Synonyms:
    • Belonia fennica Vain. (for Belonia russula)
    • Gyalecta (for Belonia nidarosiensis)
    • Clathroporina (for Belonia nidarosiensis)
  • Species Examples:
    • Belonia americana
    • Belonia calcicola
    • Belonia fennica
    • Belonia herculina (Rehm ex Lojka) Hazsl.
    • Belonia incarnata Th. Fr. &amp Graewe ex Th. Fr.
    • Belonia lumbrispom
    • Belonia mediterranea Nav.-Ros. &amp Llimona sp. nov.
    • Belonia nidarosiensis (Kindt) P.M. Jrg. &amp V?zda
    • Belonia pellucida Coppins
    • Belonia russula Krb. ex Nyl.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in various locations, including North America, Britain, Ireland, Slovakia, Catalonia (NE Spain), Tenerife, and the Tatta Mountains.
  • Specific mentions include Dorset, England, Trøndelag, Clearwater Valley in British Columbia.
  • Often found on saxicolous (rock-dwelling) substrates, including basalt boulders and north-facing church walls.
  • Some species like Belonia nidarosiensis appear to prefer suitable habitats and are "probably not rare."

Morphological Characteristics

  • The thallus of Belonia nidarosiensis is described as thin and orange to pinkish when fresh, fading to cream when dried in a herbarium.
  • Some species are described as calcicolous (growing on calcareous rocks).
  • Some thallus are described as powdery.

Quirky Facts

  • Belonia nidarosiensis has been observed growing on the north wall of a church, suggesting a preference for specific microclimates.