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Biatora: A Genus of Crustose Lichens

Biatora is a genus of lichenized fungi belonging to the family Ramalinaceae. These lichens are characterized as crustose, meaning they form a crust-like growth on their substrate.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Biatora
• Authority: Fr.
• Family: Ramalinaceae (sometimes Bacidiaceae)
• Rank: Genus

Synonyms for certain species include names in the genera Bacidia, Catillaria, and Lecidea. For example, Biatora globulosa is also known as Bacidia globulosa, Catillaria globulosa, and Lecidea globulosa.

Common Names

• biatora lichen
• Spring Dot Lichen (for Biatora vernalis)
• Snow dot lichen (for Biatora vernalis)

Distribution and Habitat

• Biatora species are found in various regions, including northwestern North America, Central Europe, and Singapore.
• They typically grow on organic substrates like tree bark, bryophytes (mosses), and detritus. Some species also grow on rocks.
• The genus is considered widespread and common, especially in lowland forests.

Morphological Characteristics

• Biatora lichens are crustose, forming a crust-like thallus.
• They contain green algal photobionts.
• They have unpigmented paraphyses and asci of the Biatora-type.
• Their ascospores are hyaline (clear), narrowly to broadly ellipsoid, and simple to transversely septate.
• Spores are colorless and smooth with 8 spores/ascus.
• Apothecia are biatorine and have a proper exciple.

Quirky Facts

• The genus name was first described in 1817.
• Some species within the genus contain lichen depsides, such as 2&#39-0-methylisohyperlatolic acid.

Further Information

• USDA PLANTS Database: Provides distributional maps for some species like Biatora botryosa.
• Mushroom Observer: Contains photos and observations of Biatora species.
• The Bryologist: Published a taxonomic study of the genus in northwestern North America.
• Preslia: Czech Republic checklist and Red List of lichens, which may include Biatora species.