No images found for this plant ID: 7163.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "7163" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

catillaria lichen

Scientific Name: Catillaria chalybeia

Family: Catillariaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Catillaria Lichen

The genus Catillaria, often referred to by the common name "Catillaria Lichen," encompasses a variety of crustose lichens. Several species within this genus have been the subject of extensive study, particularly in relation to their morphology, taxonomy, and distribution.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some Catillaria species present as tiny black dots on a dark-colored background, which could potentially be ingested by curious pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Catillaria A. Massal.
  • Common Name: Catillaria Lichen
  • Kingdom: Fungi (inferred)
  • Family: Catillariaceae
  • Synonyms:
    • Scutula stereocaulorum (synonym of Catillaria stereocaulorum)
    • Bacidia declinis (synonym of Catillaria nigroclavata)
    • Bilimbia declinis (synonym of Catillaria nigroclavata)
    • Lecidea declinis (synonym of Catillaria nigroclavata)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Catillaria species have been found globally, including:
    • Greater Sonoran Desert
    • Dorset (Britain)
    • Britain and Ireland
    • India (Nilgiri Hills)
    • Australia
    • Netherlands
    • Western Europe
    • Cape Verde
    • The Netherlands
    • Turkey
    • Maritime Antarctic
    • USA and Canada
    • Aegean region
    • Taiwan
    • Italy
    • Schirmacher Hills region
  • Habitats are varied, including:
    • Rocks
    • Marine and maritime rocks
    • Leaves of trees
    • Trees (epiphytic)
    • Woodlands

Morphological Characteristics

  • Crustose lichens.
  • Some species appear as tiny black dots on a dark grey or olivaceous background.
  • Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are very small, ranging from around 0.15 mm.
  • Thallus crustose, often 2-5 cm in diameter.
  • Some species are powdery white with black dots.

Species Examples

  • Catillaria nigroclavata
  • Catillaria chalybeia
  • Catillaria erysiboides
  • Catillaria lenticularis
  • Catillaria stereocaulorum
  • Catillaria flavens
  • Catillaria gilbertii
  • Catillaria nilgiriensis
  • Catillaria austrolittoralis
  • Catillaria contristans
  • Catillaria detractula
  • Catillaria finckei
  • Catillaria nigroisidiata
  • Catillaria glauconigrans
  • Catillaria cotymbosa
  • Catillaria fungoides
  • Catillaria corymbosa
  • Catillaria laureri
  • Catillaria picila
  • Catillaria cremea
  • Catillaria atomarioides
  • Catillaria croatica

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Some species of Catillaria and Strigula have been found growing on the leaves of Nestegis apetala.
  • May grow alongside other lichens such as Lecanora species.

Resources and Further Information

  • Greater Sonoran Desert Lichen Flora
  • British Lichen Society - BLS Lichen Database
  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • Lichen Flora of the (referencing Nash III , T.H., Gries, C., and Bungartz, F. (eds.))