Northwest Lichenologists

Buellia punctata or dakotensis?

  • 03 Aug 2023 2:37 PM
    Message # 13236304

    If anyone is willing to weigh in on a confirmation, I would appreciate it!

    Attached is an excel spreadsheet with photos and notes.


    I believe this is B. dakotensis, but if anyone can confirm or deny i would love the help.


    Thank you,

    Devin

    1 file
  • 05 Aug 2023 7:34 AM
    Reply # 13236994 on 13236304
    Bruce McCune (Administrator)

    A couple of other clues would help... What is the substrate? location?


  • 06 Aug 2023 6:57 PM
    Reply # 13237354 on 13236304

    I found it growing on the bark of a somewhat short deciduous tree. I'm not great at tree identification but I believe it's a type of Aspen. Pale whitish bark, mostly smooth but it is largely covered with a patchwork pattern of crustose lichens, most of which keyed to Lecanora. I found this during winter so I'm not sure about the foliage. It was on a trail, maybe 30ish feet uphill from a small creek. The aspect of the slope is due east, partially shaded by similar trees across the trail. Found in the Iller Creek Unit, approximately 47.6003417, -117.2811975. I am attaching a Google satellite image that shows the habitat, and the trees pictured are the type I found this specimen on. 

    1 file
  • 07 Aug 2023 5:01 PM
    Reply # 13237807 on 13236304
    Bruce McCune (Administrator)

    OK, looking up Iller Creek it appears to be in eastern Washington, so that is out of expected range for dakotensis. Not impossible, but less likely. Also, I'm seeing no hint of a thalline margin. Keying in McCune (2017) based on the characters and photo you provided I come to Buellia sp. 2, known west of the Cascades, but seems possible for foothills in eastern Washington.

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