Lichen: Lecidea lithophila
« Back
Name: Lecidea lithophila [(Ach.) Ach (1814)]
Pronunciation: Lecidea lithophila
Conservation Evaluation: Least Concern
Description: The thallus is cracked (areolate), smooth to slightly undulating and grey in colour, frequently stained rust-red from the iron in the rock substrate. The prothallus is indistinct. Apothecia range from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm in diameter (some may reach 2 mm diam.) The disc is dark brown to black, flat to convex; this gives the apothecia the appearance of black buttons. Apothecia are sessile with a black disc that looks brown when wet. Spores are ellipsoidal and packed 8 per ascus.
Chemical Tests: All reactions negative.
Nature Notes: Found on siliceous rocks rich in iron and exposed to strong sunlight (south facing) and regular wetting/drying. Grows fast enough to be found on scree.
Vice County distribution map of Lecidea lithophila: See Map
Link: Map this species on the Lichen Survey
Other species recorded in Ireland
- Lecidea ahlesii (Körb.) Nyl.
- Lecidea auriculata Th.Fr.
- Lecidea confluens (Weber) Ach.
- Lecidea diducens Nyl.
- Lecidea doliiformis Coppins & P.James
- Lecidea erythrophaea Flörke
- Lecidea fuliginosa Taylor
- Lecidea fuscoatra (L.) Ach.
- Lecidea hypnorum Lib.
- Lecidea hypopta Ach.
- Lecidea lactea Flörke ex Schaer.
- Lecidea lapicida (Ach.) Ach.
- Lecidea paupercula Th.Fr.
- Lecidea phaeops Nyl.
- Lecidea plana (J.Lahm) Nyl.
- Lecidea pycnocarpa (Körb.) Ohlert
- Lecidea pycnocarpa forma sorediata Coppins & Fryday
- Lecidea sanguineoatra auct.
- Lecidea turgidula Fr.
Text and images © Paul Whelan, 2009.