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Biatora: A Genus of Crustose Lichens

Biatora is a genus of lichens belonging to the family Ramalinaceae. First identified in 1817, these lichens are characterized by their crustose form and the presence of green algal photobionts.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Biatora Fr.
• Family: Ramalinaceae (and sometimes referred to as Bacidiaceae for specific species like Biatora vernalis)
• Rank: Genus
• Synonyms: Some species previously classified under Biatora have been reassigned. For example, Biatora globulosa is also known as Bacidia globulosa, Catillaria globulosa, and Lecidea globulosa. Another example is Biatora premnea, which is now known as Bacidia laurocerasi.

Distribution and Habitat

• Biatora lichens are found in various regions, including Northwestern North America, Central Europe, Singapore, and Taiwan.
• They typically grow on organic substrates like tree bark, bryophytes (mosses), and detritus. Some species can also be found on rocks.
• The genus is considered undercollected in many parts of its distributional range.

Morphological Characteristics

• Biatora lichens are crustose, meaning they form a crust-like growth on their substrate. They are often inconspicuous.
• They possess unpigmented paraphyses (sterile filaments within the fruiting body).
• The asci (spore-bearing structures) are of the Biatora-type.
• Ascospores are hyaline (translucent) and range from narrowly to broadly ellipsoid in shape.

Considerations for Pets

The provided text indicates that Biatora grows on tree bark and detritus. This may make it accessible to pets who like to chew on bark or explore leaf litter.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Biatora lichens can host other organisms, such as the lichenicolous fungus Abrothallus microspermus.
• They interact with green algae as photobionts in a symbiotic relationship.

Quirky Facts

• The genus name, Biatora, is associated with "biatorine" apothecia, a specific type of fruiting body found in lichens.
• Some species of Biatora, like Biatora sorediosa, contain lichen depsides such as 2'-0-methylisohyperlatolic acid.

Further Information

• The PLANTS Database provides distributional maps for some Biatora species.
• The Bryologist journal contains research articles on the genus Biatora in specific regions.
• Preslia journal offers checklists and red lists of lichens in certain areas.
• Mushroom Observer provides photographs of various Biatora species.
• The Consortium of Lichen Herbaria database provides information on Biatora specimens, including locale and accession numbers.