Lichen: Gyalecta jenensis var. jenensis
Name: Gyalecta jenensis var. jenensis (Batsch) Zahlbr.
Apothecia are numerous and are found in clusters. Photo: Curraghchase, Co. Limerick.
Pronunciation: Gyalecta jenensis var jen
Conservation Evaluation: Least Concern
Body Type: Crustose
Apothecia have a shrimp-like colour and texture.
Description: The thallus tends to be thin with an orange-pink colour, becoming grey, possibly with age. The sessile apothecia are numerous, less than 1 mm diameter and with a thalline margin. The discs are pale orange and have a glassy shiny appearance. Overall the apothecia have the colour and texture of a cooked shrimp.
VC-Map-Gyalecta-jenensis
Chemical Tests: All spot tests negative.
Nature Notes: Generally found on hard and sloping limestone in damp and shaded areas. The Genus Gyalecta was originally part of Moelleropsis, but was segregated into its own group on the basis of work on the development of the apothecia and the morphology of the ascus tip, and other features.
Vice county distribution map: See Map
Link: Map this species on the Lichen Survey
Other species recorded in Ireland:
Gyalecta derivata (Nyl.) H.Olivier
Gyalecta flotowii Körb.
Gyalecta truncigena (Ach.) Hepp
Text and images © Paul Whelan, 2009.