Lichen: Peltigera hymenina
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Name: Peltigera hymenina (Ach.) Delise ex Duby
Pronunciation: Peltigera hymenina
Conservation Evaluation: Least Concern
Popular Name: Dog Lichen Body Type: Foliose
Description: The irregular spreading thallus can reach 20 cm in diameter, but typically grows within the range of 10 cm to 15 cm in diam. The thin papery lobes develop to about 1.5 cm to 2 cm in width and 2 cm to 6 cm in length. Thallus colour varies; when dry it displays a dark olive-green to light grey colour; when wet it turns reddish brown with blue-grey margins. The margins may be notched or un-notched. The felted buff-brown underside is covered with short thin hair-like rhizines that vary in colour from buff to brown. Apothecia are rarely found, but when present (see photo) are very distinct with a dark red disk on marginal curled lobes. 60 to 80 ascospores per ascus, that are 3 to 7 septate.
Chemical Tests: None. No lichen substances.
Nature Notes: Grows best in damp areas on mosses associated with trees and rocks on acid soil. It is common in the West of Ireland with large populations in Donegal, Mayo and parts of Wicklow.
Vice County distribution map of Peltigera hymenina: See Map
Other species recorded in Ireland
- Peltigera britannica (Gyeln.) Holt.-Hartw. & Tønsberg
- Peltigera canina (L.) Willd.
- Peltigera collina (Ach.) Schrad.
- Peltigera degenii Gyeln.
- Peltigera didactyla (With.) J.R.Laundon
- Peltigera horizontalis (Huds.) Baumg.
- Peltigera leucophlebia (Nyl.) Gyeln. [29]
- Peltigera malacea (Ach.) Funck
- Peltigera membranacea (Ach.) Nyl.
- Peltigera neckeri Hepp ex Müll.Arg.
- Peltigera polydactyla (Neck.) Hoffm.
- Peltigera praetextata (Flörke ex Sommerf.) Zopf
- Peltigera rufescens (Weiss) Humb.
- Peltigera venosa (L.) Hoffm.
Text and images © Paul Whelan, 2009.