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Abrothallus parmeliarum

Abrothallus parmeliarum is a lichenicolous fungus, meaning it is a parasite that lives on other lichens. It is also referred to as Parmelia Abrothallus Lichen, particularly in older literature.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Abrothallus parmeliarum (Sommerf.) Arnold
• Family: Uncertain Lichen Family (Incertae sedis)
• Synonyms: Includes older classifications such as Parmelia abrothallus lichen.

Distribution and Habitat

• This species has been recorded in the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Northern France.
• It appears in various datasets, including records from the British Lichen Society and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
• It is found on the thallus and apothecia of various lichens, especially parmelioid lichens.

Ecological Role

• Abrothallus parmeliarum is a lichenicolous fungus, acting as a parasite on other lichens.
• It is often associated with Nesolechia-induced galls on various Parmelia-like genera.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a lichenicolous fungus, meaning it grows on other lichens.
• The stromata (fruiting bodies) can be rounded and slightly raised, sometimes mistaken for the apothecia of the host lichen.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Abrothallus parmeliarum is a parasite on lichens, particularly those resembling Parmelia.
• It is often found growing on lichens such as Flavoparmelia caperata, Menegazzia and other parmelioid lichens.
• It can be associated with Nesolechia-induced galls on its hosts.

Further Information

• Information on Abrothallus parmeliarum can be found on the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
• The British Lichen Society maintains records and datasets related to this species.
• The NBN Gateway provides interactive mapping tools showing its distribution.
• LichenIreland is a resource for information on lichens in Ireland, including Abrothallus parmeliarum.