SafePlants

Biatorella Lichen

This page provides information about lichens belonging to the genus Biatorella.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Biatorella species grow on soil ("terricolous"), which may be accessible to pets that spend time outdoors.
• Some species are minute (c. 0.05-0.2 (-0.3) mm diameter), potentially making them difficult to spot.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Biatorella
• Family: Biatorellaceae
• Kingdom: Fungi
• Rank: Genus

Common Names

• Biatorella Lichen
• U.S. name: biatorella lichen
• English: Biatorella lichens

Species Examples

• Biatorella fossarum (Duf) Th. Fr.
• Biatorella plicata
• Biatorella rappii
• Biatorella desmaspora (C. Knight) Hellb.
• Biatorella hemisphaerica Anzi
• Biatorella clauzadeana Llimona in Vezda
• Biatorella contigua GoJubk. et Piin
• Biatorella saxicola Aptroot &amp Sipman
• Biatorella antarctica Js.Murray
• Biatorella microhaema Norman (synonym)
• Biatorella pruinosa (J. E. Smith) Fink.
• Biatorella terrena

Synonyms and Taxonomic Updates

• Biatorella microhaema Norman is listed as a synonym.
• The lichen Biatorella kulshanensis Herre is now considered synonymous with Sporastatia.
• The genus Piccolia A.Massal. was once considered synonymous with Biatorella De Not.

Distribution and Habitat

• Biatorella fossarum is found in the USA and Canada.
• Biatorella clauzadeana was described from Spain (Almeria).
• Biatorella saxicola has been found in Hong Kong.
• Biatorella fossarum grows on bare compacted soil.
• Some Biatorella species are terricolous (grow on soil).

Ecological Role

• Some species, like Acarospora interjecta, are lichenicolous, meaning they are parasitic on other lichens.

Morphological Characteristics

• Some species have minute diameters, around 0.05-0.2 (-0.3) mm.
• Thallus is usually absent, or irregularly granular, sometimes scurfy surface: pale gray.
• Biatorella and Sarcosagium both have bacilliform ascospores.

Quirky Facts

• Biatorella fossarum has been described as an "illusive #lichen rarity".
• Biatorella clauzadeana is an obligate gypsophilous lichen, meaning it specifically grows on gypsum-rich substrates.

Further Information

• Taxon Version Keys are available (e.g., NHMSYS0001475685, NHMSYS0001475681).
• ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a resource for taxonomic information.
• LIAS (presumably a lichen information system) is mentioned in the context of recent literature on lichens.
• The British Lichen Society is a valuable resource, particularly their publication "Lichens of Great Britain &amp Ireland".
• Wikispecies contains information about Biatorella cyphalea and Biatorella in general.