Identification: Three lichens growing on rocks with no ID

Discussion in 'Fungi, Lichens and Slime Molds' started by Nik, Jan 19, 2021.

  1. Nik

    Nik Contributor

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    Here is number one, tiny bluish-green flakes.
     

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  2. Nik

    Nik Contributor

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    No. 2, a dark gray, almost black appearance. It is just ‘fused’ to the rocks.
     

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  3. Nik

    Nik Contributor

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    And No. 3, also almost part of the rocks, bluish-gray with black fruiting bodies.
     

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  4. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    Good evening N, might be Lecidella elaeochroma. But I expect J @Frog will ID it more positively.
     
  5. Sulev

    Sulev Contributor

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    3. maybe Arthonia sp
     
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  6. Sulev

    Sulev Contributor

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  7. Frog

    Frog Generous Contributor Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Lovely finds @Nik! No. 1 might be the squamules of a Cladonia, not sure. Can you give me an approx diameter of a lobe and whether they are on bare rock or soil over rock? Also habitat/environment may be relevant.

    No. 2 & No. 3 would take a bit of work to ID: I'm not sure how to effectively convey the challenges most crustose lichens represent :-) ... e.g. I have a large two volume set of books that covers most microlichens of the Pacific Northwest, and most IDs involve microscopy and chemistry and specimen in hand ... plus a level of specialist skill.

    From your close-up shots of No.2 it appears to have apothecia rather than perithecia, unless I am seeing two different species together, which is possible: Determining that difference with a handlens will help with ID, as will specifics on the environment/habitat/elevation/type of rock.

    No. 3's marginate apothecia, thallus colour and rock substrate will help narrow things down, but my resources for east coast species are limited, and there are still numerous genera and species with these basic characters..

    cheers
    frog
     
  8. Sulev

    Sulev Contributor

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    1. maybe a Lecanora or a Protoparmeliopsis or a Squamarina or a Xanthoparmelia
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2021
  9. Nik

    Nik Contributor

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    Hi Sulev, thank you for the Arthonia sp. suggestion! It looks like it. I checked in Wikipedia a list of species of Arthonia and it’s endless... decided that genus ID is enough. Thanks again!
     
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  10. Nik

    Nik Contributor

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    Hi @Frog , No. 1 grows not directly on the rock, but over something I believe used to be a thin layer of moss or other lichens, now completely decomposed. Diameter of the lobes is about 2-3 mm. It grows on the shadier side of the stone in a fully sun-exposed location, surrounded by haircap moss. Plenty of moist air every morning and most days in the summer.
     
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  11. Nik

    Nik Contributor

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    I think No. 3 could also be Porpidia crustulata.
     
  12. Sulev

    Sulev Contributor

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    Could be.
    It would be helpful, if there was something (ruler, measuring tape, lighter, matches, phone etc) on photos for comparision of the scale/magnitude.
     
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  13. Nik

    Nik Contributor

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    I realize that now.. next time I will use a ruler. In this picture, the haircap moss on the left (dark green-brown) is about 1 cm diameter rosettes.
     

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  14. Nik

    Nik Contributor

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    Here are some photos with a ruler I just took, @Sulev . I hope that is useful.
     

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  15. Sulev

    Sulev Contributor

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    That is much better!
    Unfortunately I am not a lichen expert. I have studied some lichens, mainly those, that occupy tree bark or are indicator species for virgin forests and undisturbed natural sites.
     

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