Northwest Lichenologists

LABE-328

  • 08 Aug 2015 6:24 PM
    Message # 3471294

    Hi all,


    In the photo gallery are 2 pictures marked LABE-328, one dry, one wet. This lichen is growing on a dead twig of a bush in sagebrush steppe around 4000 feet. The upper thallus is nearly white, the lower is tan. The thallus is about 3cm, the lobes are 1.5 to 3mm. It has simple rhizines which are tan, .4mm or less in length and blunt tipped. The isidia are globular, brown in color (giving the whole lichen a brown appearance) and shinny. Spot tests are all negative.


    Anyone have an idea what this is?

  • 09 Aug 2015 8:54 AM
    Reply # 3471855 on 3471294

    Hi Steve,

    It is most likely a Melanohalea or Melanelixia. THese genera are very common in that habitat. You need to look at the shape of the isidia to figure out what species. Probably M. elegantula. You said the upper surface is white, and if I am correct, that should be white pruina or something like that that the thallus makes to protect itself from the sun.

    Best, Daph

  • 09 Aug 2015 12:11 PM
    Reply # 3472187 on 3471294

    Thanks Daph,


    You were right on with M. elegantula, I see this all the time around here. I had just never seen one that had pruina on every exposed upper surface like this one does.

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