KEY to terricolous lichens - italic

KEY 

for the identification of terricolous lichens 

occurring in Italy 

above the submediterranean belt 

on subneutral to basic substrata 

by 

P.L. Nimis & S. Martellos 

These keys were automatically produced by ITALIC. They are published in the internet in 

this preliminary form in order to be tested and corrected. The authors will be grateful for 

any critical remark. (nimis@units.it). 

Warning! The characters used for the dichotomies do not necessarily represent a description of 

the taxa. For example, the character states "thallus from brigh yellow to red" and "thallus dark" 

can be used to distinguish a Candelariella from a dark-coloured crustose lichen, which does not 

mean that the thallus of Candelariella can be "red". The true colour of the lichens is specified in 

their descriptions 

The term "terricolous" is rather ambiguous: it includes lichens of mineral soil, those of humid 

organic soil, and those which live on "terricolous" bryophytes. This key includes all lichens 

which were hitherto reported from Italy on these types of substrata. Several species which are 

normally epiphytic or saxicolous can occasionally become "terricolous". Only a small selection 

of them is included in the key. 

Trieste, 8.5.2002 

Structure of the keys 

FRUTICOSE Lichens..............................................................Subkey A, pag. .….1 

FOLIOSE Lichens....................................................................Subkey B, pag. .….8 

SQUAMULOSE Lichens.........................................................Subkey C, pag. …17 

CRUSTOSE Lichens................................................................Subkey D, pag. …30 

LEPROSE Lichens..................................................................Subkey E, pag. .…47 

Subkey A - Fruticose lichens 

1 Without primary thallus and without (pseudo)podetia 2 

1 With a primary, crustose to squamulose thallus and erect to decumbent 

(pseudo)podetia (Cladonia, Leprocaulon, Stereocaulon) 

13 

1

2 Thallus orange 

Teloschistes contortuplicatus 

Thallus fruticose, orange to dirty orange, grey in shade-forms, with conspicuous 

orange pycnidia, loosely attached, with thin transparent hairs, K+ red, C-, KC-, P-. 

Branches 0.5-1 mm wide, elongate, flattened, imbricate. Edge deeply incised. 

Apothecia rare, lecanorine. Surface orange, K+ red. Epihymenium K+ red. 

Ascospores 2-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, polar-diblastic, 8 per ascus, 10.5-12 x 6-7.5 µ. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: esp. in south-facing niches and underhangs, 

relatively common also in the central Apennines, on the Adriatic side of the peninsula. 

2 Not as above 3 

3 Thallus dark, from black to dark brown 4 

3 Thallus neither dark nor orange 7 

4 Photobiont cyanobacterial 

4 

Polychidium muscicola 

Thallus fruticose, brown-black, filamentous, shrubby, loosely attached, K-, C-, KC-, 

P-. Branches cylindrical, smooth, ramified. Apothecia rare, without a thalline margin, 

lateral, sessile, strongly constricted, up to 2 mm diam. Surface red-brown, plane. 

Margin distinct, thin, smooth, paler than disk. Paraphyses simple, distinctly thickened 

above. Asci cylindrical. Ascospores 2-celled, hyaline, fusiform-elongate, 8 per ascus, 

22-29 x 5-7 µ. Pycnidia dark. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: 

on soil and amongst bryophytes, more rarely on basal parts of ancient trees. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid 5 

5 Lobes width > 3 mm. Medulla P+ orange 

Cetraria islandica 

Thallus fruticose, dark grey-brown to grey-green in shade, sometimes pitted, the basal 

parts often reddish, bifacial, loosely attached, K-, C-, KC-. Lobes elongate, smooth, 

ascending, up to 3 cm wide, moderately branched. Edge dentate. Pseudocyphellae 

maculiform, on lower surface. Undersurface generally paler than upper surface. 

Medulla K-, C-, KC-, P+ orange. Medulla UV -. Apothecia rare, lecanorine, on the 

lower surface of thallus, substipitate. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, 8 per ascus. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. – Note: on mineral and organic soil, amongst thick moss 

carpets, exceptionally on bark or lignum near the ground, with optimum near treeline, 

less common in the mountains of the south. 

5 Lobes width < 3 mm. Medulla P- 6 

6 Main branches flattened, uneven, to c. 1 mm diam. pseudocyphellae concave, 

elongate, branching open and coarse 

Cetraria aculeata 

Thallus fruticose, matt to glossy brown, shrubby, loosely attached, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Branches 0.5-1 mm wide, ramified. Pseudocyphellae maculiform. Medulla white, K-, 

C-, KC-, P-. Medulla UV -. Apothecia rare, lecanorine, sessile. Ascospores 1-celled, 

hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus. Pycnidia dark, stipitate. Conidia bifusiform. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: on siliceous, often sandy mineral soil in clearings of Callunaheathlands 

in more or less wind-exposed situations.. 

6 Main branches rounded, even, delicate, to c. 0.5 mm diam. pseudocyphellae flat, 

circular, branching dense and spinulose 

Cetraria muricata 

Thallus fruticose, matt to glossy brown, shrubby, loosely attached, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Branches ramified. Pseudocyphellae maculiform. Medulla white, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Medulla UV -. Apothecia rare, lecanorine, sessile. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, 

ellipsoid, 8 per ascus. Pycnidia dark, stipitate. Conidia bifusiform. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: optimum on wind-exposed siliceous ridges above treeline, the 

distinction from C. aculeata is not always clear to me, esp. in the south there are 

specimens which are difficult to assign to either taxon. 

7 Lobes flat 8 

7 Lobes somehow inflated 10 

8 Marginal cilia present 

2

3 

Anaptychia ciliaris 

8 

Thallus fruticose, grey to grey-brown, bifacial, shrubby, loosely attached, with thin 

transparent hairs, K-, C-, P-. Lobes (2)3-6 mm wide, linear, ascending. Edge entire, 

with marginal cilia. Undersurface pale brownish white, channelled. Lower cortex 

absent. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, substipitate, strongly constricted, up to 5 mm 

diam. Surface black, often faintly pruinose. Margin verrucose, grey to grey brown, 

smooth or crenulate. Ascospores 2-celled, not hyaline, ellipsoid, constricted at septa, 

thin-walled, ornamented, 8 per ascus, 40-45 x 18-24 µ. Pycnidia semi-immersed. 

Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on bark of deciduous, rarely 

coniferous, more or less isolated trees, sometimes also on rock and amongst 

terricolous mosses in open situations, locally common in the Apennines and in the 

islands. 

Marginal cilia absent 9 

9 Thallus smooth. Lobes cucullate, red-purple below 

Cetraria cucullata 

Thallus fruticose, cream-coloured, deep red-purple at the base, smooth, loosely 

attached, KC-, P-. Lobes (2)3-6 mm wide, cucullate, concave, smooth, ascending, 

truncated. Edge dentate. Medulla K-, C-, KC-, P-. rare lecanorine. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: a typical element of tundra-like vegetation of open, dry habitats 

above treeline, most frequent on basic siliceous substrata, in wind-exposed ridges. 

9 Thallus wrinkled. Lobes not cucullate, brownish below 

Cetraria nivalis 

Thallus fruticose, cream-coloured, yellowish brown at the base, wrinkled, loosely 

attached, KC-, P-. Lobes 6-10 mm wide, elongate, ascending, truncated. Edge dentate. 

Medulla K-, C-, KC-, P-. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: a typical element of 

tundra-like vegetation of open, dry habitats above treeline, common throughout the 

Alps, this species is surprisingly abundant on the Gran Sasso Massif (central 

Apennines). 

10 Thallus white 11 

10 Thallus yellowish green 12 

11 Thallus P+ orange, becoming pinkish in the herbarium. Medulla UV -. With thamnolic 

acid 

Thamnolia vermicularis 

Thallus fruticose, white, becoming pinkish in the herbarium, K+ yellow, P+ orange. 

Pseudopodetia (2)3-6 mm wide, bacilliform, smooth, ascending, subterete, non 

squamulose. Medulla UV -. Photobiont chlorococcoid. With thamnolic acid. - Note: a 

common element of open, wind-exposed Alpine tundras, found both on calcareous 

and siliceous substrata. 

11 Thallus P+ yellow, remaining white in the herbarium. Medulla UV +. With baeomycic 

and squamatic acids 

Thamnolia vermicularis v.subuliformis 

Thallus fruticose, white, remaining white in the herbarium, K+ yellow, P+ yellow. 

Pseudopodetia (2)3-6 mm wide, bacilliform, smooth, ascending, non squamulose. 

Medulla UV +. Photobiont chlorococcoid. With baeomycic and squamatic acids. - 

Note: in open, wind-exposed Alpine tundras, much rarer in the Italian Alps than the 

previous variety. 

12 Medulla lax, P-. Thallus yellowish green 

Dactylina madreporiformis 

Thallus fruticose, yellowish green, shrubby. Branches 1-2(3) mm wide, elongate, 

ascending, isotomic-dichotomous, subterete. Medulla lax, P-. Photobiont 

12 

chlorococcoid. – Note: in open Alpine grasslands and in wind-exposed ridges, 

widespread throughout the Alps, the record from Abruzzi is the southernmost in 

Europe for this mainly Arctic-Alpine species. 

Medulla hollow, P+ orange. Thallus yellowish green spotted brownish yellow and pale 

violet

4 

Dactylina ramulosa 

13 

Thallus fruticose, yellowish green spotted brownish yellow and pale violet, shrubby. 

Branches 1-2(3) mm wide, elongate, ascending, subterete. Medulla hollow, P+ orange. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on soil developing from calcareous schists. 

Pseudopodetia without a central cavity 14 

13 Podetia with a central cavity 15 

14 Pseudopodetia very small, with greenish sorediod-leprose granules. Thallus K-, P- 

Leprocaulon microscopicum 

Thallus fruticose, consisting of bluish-green to yellowish granules and of delicate, 

white pseudopodetia, loosely attached, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Pseudopodetia

19 

cm tall, forming irregular tufts, with pointed apices and smooth surface, sparsely 

squamulose. Apothecia rare, without a thalline margin. Surface brown, convex. Asci 

bitunicate. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus. Pycnidia dark, semiimmersed. 

Conidia cylindrical. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on soil, amongst 

mosses, sometimes on bark and lignum, in areas with more or less calcareous or 

siliceous base-rich rocks, surprisingly rare along the Adriatic part of the peninsula. 

Thallus P-. Podetia pale yellowish, without squamules 

Cladonia uncialis 

Thallus fruticose, pale yellowish, often with brownish tips, shrubby, K-, C-, P-. 

Podetia ramified, tetrachotomous, non squamulose, to 6 cm tall, with pointed apices, 

forming tufts. Apothecia rare, without a thalline margin. Surface brown, convex. Asci 

bitunicate. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus. Pycnidia dark, semiimmersed. 

Conidia cylindrical. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on soil and amongst 

mosses in very open habitats with a rather long snow-lie, common only in the Alps, 

the distribution, ecology and genetics of ssp. biuncialis, never reported from Italy but 

certainly present in the Italian Alps, are well worthy of further study. 

20 Thallus P- 

Cladonia rangiformis 

Thallus fruticose, greenish grey to whitish grey, shrubby, K+ yellow, C-, KC-, P-. 

Podetia ramified, to 6 cm tall, richly branched, forming tuft, with pointed apices and a 

distinctly areolate surface, sparsely to densely squamulose. Undersurface of 

squamules white. Apothecia rare, without a thalline margin. Surface brown, convex. 

Asci bitunicate. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus. Pycnidia dark, 

semi-immersed. Conidia cylindrical. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Podetia thin, without 

evident, convex, white medullary outbursts at the base. - Note: on more or less 

calcareous soil in open habitats, with optimum in dry grasslands, one of the most 

frequent and abundant species of Cladonia in Italy. 

20 Thallus P+ red 21 

21 Podetia without cortex, with an arachnoid surface 

Cladonia rangiferina 

Thallus fruticose, grey, shrubby, K+ yellow, C-, P+ red. Podetia ramified, 

tetrachotomous, with tips strongly bent to one side, non squamulose. Primary 

squamules absent. Apothecia rare, without a thalline margin. Surface brown, convex. 


semi-immersed. Conidia cylindrical. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: one of the 

most abundant elements of lichen-rich tundra-like vegetation on mineral soil in 

exposed habitats, common only in the Alps. 

21 Podetia at least in part corticate 22 

22 Podetia thin, without evident, convex, white medullary outbursts at the base. Thallus 

greenish grey to whitish grey. Podetia to 6 cm tall, richly branched, forming tuft, with 

pointed apices and a distinctly areolate surface, sparsely to densely squamulose 

Cladonia rangiformis 

Thallus fruticose, greenish grey to whitish grey, K+ yellow, C-, KC-, P+ red. Podetia 

ramified, to 6 cm tall, richly branched, forming tufts, with pointed apices and a 

distinctly areolate surface, sparsely to densely squamulose. Undersurface of 

squamules white. Apothecia rare, without a thalline margin. Surface brown, convex. 


semi-immersed. Conidia cylindrical. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on more or 

less calcareous soil in open habitats, with optimum in dry grasslands, one of the most 

frequent and abundant species of Cladonia in Italy. 

22 Podetia stout, with evident, convex, white medullary outbursts at the base. Thallus 

brown, often dark. Podetia to 8 cm tall, forming irregular tufts, with pointed apices and 

smooth surface, non or very sparsely squamulose 

Cladonia subrangiformis 

Thallus fruticose, brown, often dark, K+ yellow, C-, KC-, P+ red. Podetia ramified, to 

8 cm tall, forming irregular tufts, with pointed apices and smooth surface, non or very 

sparsely squamulose. Apothecia rare, without a thalline margin. Surface brown, 

5

convex. Asci bitunicate. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus. Pycnidia 

dark, semi-immersed. Conidia cylindrical. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on more 

or less mineral and calciferous soil, often amongst bryophytes, in my opinion, this 

species is well distinct both from C. furcata and C. rangiformis, although less 

abundant than the latter, it is widespread throughout Italy. 

23 With cups 24 

23 Without cups 27 

24 With soredia 25 

24 Without soredia 26 

25 Podetia 4 cm tall, not trumpet-shaped. Primary squamules very small (

7 

Cladonia acuminata 

28 

Thallus fruticose, grey, K+ yellow changing to red, C-, KC-, P+ yellow. Podetia 

bacilliform, corticate only at base, simple, areolate. Primary squamules medium-sized 

(1-3mm). Apothecia rare, without a thalline margin, subterminal, stipitate. Surface 

brown, convex. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus. Pycnidia dark, semiimmersed. 

Conidia cylindrical. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on calciferous soil 

rich in humus in more or less open situations. 

Thallus K-, P+ red. Podetia not very thick-walled, medullary hyphae not running 

parallel to the surface 

Cladonia coniocraea 

Thallus fruticose, grey, K-, C-, KC-, P+ red. Podetia bacilliform, corticate only at 

base, non squamulose, 1-4 cm tall, unbranched, occasionally with very small cups, 

with a corticate and sometimes squamulose zone below. Soredia diffuse, farinose, 

grey. Medulla UV -. Apothecia without a thalline margin. Surface brown, convex. 

Ascospores hyaline, 8 per ascus. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on a wide variety 

of organic substrata, incl. bark, and then mostly on basal parts of boles, but mostly on 

soil rich in humus and rotten wood. 

29 Thallus K+ red 

Cladonia polycarpoides 

Thallus fruticose, grey, K+ red, C-, KC-, P+ red. Podetia rare. Primary squamules 

large, forming dense mats. Undersurface of squamules white. Apothecia rare, without 

a thalline margin, subterminal, stipitate. Surface brown, convex. Ascospores hyaline, 

ellipsoid, 8 per ascus. Pycnidia dark, semi-immersed. Conidia cylindrical. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: on more or less calcareous mineral soil in open grasslands and 

on soil pockets on large isolated boulders, probably somehow overlooked in Italy and 

more widespread in the Alps. 


30 Thallus K+ yellow 31 

30 Thallus K- 32 

31 Thallus KC-, P-. Primary squamules medium-sized (1-3mm) 

Cladonia cariosa 

Thallus fruticose, grey, K+ yellow, C-, KC-, P-. Podetia areolate, 0.5-2 cm tall, 

sparingly branched above, partly decorticate-granulose, longitudinally fissured. 

Primary squamules medium-sized (1-3mm), erect, entire or incised. Apothecia 

frequent, without a thalline margin, subterminal, stipitate. Surface brown, convex. 

Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus. Pycnidia dark, semi-immersed. Conidia 

cylindrical. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on disturbed mineral, often sandy soil 

over more or less calcareous or base-rich substrata, most frequent in the Alps. 

31 Thallus KC+ yellow, P+ orange. Primary squamules large (5-10 mm) 

Cladonia symphycarpa 

Thallus fruticose, grey, K+ yellow, C-, KC+ yellow, P+ orange. Podetia areolate, to 1 

cm tall, very rare, with irregular cups. Primary squamules large, to 2-3 mm tall, 

horizontally spreading, with recurved margins, grey-green above. Undersurface of 

squamules white. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, subterminal, stipitate. 

Surface brown, convex. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus. Pycnidia dark, 

semi-immersed. Conidia cylindrical. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on calcareous 

ground in dry grasslands or on the top of large, exposed calcareous boulders, certainly 

occurring throughout S Italy. 

32 Primary squamules medium-sized (1-3mm broad), white below 

Cladonia caespiticia 

Thallus fruticose, greenish grey, K-, C-, P+ red. Podetia elongate, to 3 mm tall, 

decorticate. Primary squamules medium-sized, to 7 mm long, irregularly incised and 

ascending, often forming low cushions. Undersurface of squamules white. Medulla 

UV -. Apothecia rare, without a thalline margin, subterminal, substipitate. Surface 

brown, convex. Asci bitunicate. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus. Pycnidia 

semi-immersed. Conidia cylindrical. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on mineral, 

generally sandy-clay soil, occasionally on rotting wood and on bases of ancient trunks,

32 

in rather sheltered situations. 

Primary squamules more than 3 mm broad, yellowish below 33 

33 Primary squamules 15-40 x 2-10 mm, sometimes with black or white hairs at the 

margins, forming straggling clusters 

Cladonia convoluta 

Thallus fruticose, greenish grey, K-, C-, KC-, P+ red. Podetia to 1.5 cm tall, very rare. 

Primary squamules 15-40 x 2-10 mm, sometimes with black or white hairs at the 

margins, forming straggling clusters. Undersurface of squamules yellowish. Apothecia 

rare, without a thalline margin, subterminal. Surface brown, convex. Ascospores 

hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus. Pycnidia dark, semi-immersed. Conidia cylindrical. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on mineral soil in dry grasslands, or in intradunal 

depressions, also occurring in dry-continental Alpine valleys. 

33 Primary squamules 4-15 x 1-3 mm, forming compact mats, sometimes with black hairs 

at the margins 

Cladonia foliacea 

Thallus fruticose, greenish grey, K-, C-, KC-, P+ red. Podetia to 1.5 cm tall, very rare. 

Primary squamules 4-15 x 1-3 mm, forming compact mats, sometimes with black 

hairs at the margins. Undersurface of squamules yellowish. Apothecia rare, without a 

thalline margin, subterminal. Surface brown, convex. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 

per ascus. Pycnidia dark, semi-immersed. Conidia cylindrical. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. – Note: an ecological vicariant of C. convoluta on more or less acid, 

but often base-rich ground. 

Subkey B - Foliose lichens 

1 Thallus bright yellow 

Vulpicida tubulosus 

Thallus foliose, bright yellow, loosely attached, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Lobes (2)3-6 mm 

wide, elongate. Undersurface yellowish. Rhizines pale, simple. Medulla K-, C-, KC-, 

P-. Apothecia rare, lecanorine. Surface brown. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, 8 per 

ascus. Pycnidia dark, stipitate. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on more or less 

calcareous mineral soil in dry Alpine grasslands and on wind-exposed ridges. Absent 

from the Apennines. 



2 Thallus neither dark- nor very bright-coloured 11 

3 With soredia or isidia 4 

3 Without soredia or isidia 6 

4 Thallus heteromerous 

4 

Nephroma parile 

Thallus foliose, bluish grey to dark brown, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Lobes rounded, adpressed 

to the substratum, 3-8 mm wide. Edge crenulate. Soredia bluish-grey. Soralia 

marginal, prominent. Undersurface brown, smooth to wrinkled, naked or in part 

somehow pubescent. Medulla white, K-, P-. Apothecia rare, on the lower surface of 

thallus. Ascospores 4-celled, not hyaline, fusiform-elongate, 8 per ascus, 18-20 x 6-7 

µ. Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: on bark, epiphytic mosses, basic siliceous rocks 

and soil in humid and sheltered situations. 

Thallus homeomerous 5 

5 Lobes width > 3 mm. Isidia spatulate. Thallus thin 

Collema crispum 

Thallus foliose, homeomerous, olive green-brown to black, smooth or isidiate, thin. 

8

5 

Lobes rounded, concave, contiguous, 1-6 mm wide, ear-like, ascending and crowded, 

forming colonies to 6 cm diam. Isidia spatulate, diffuse, simple. Undersurface dark, 

often with white rhizines. Apothecia rare, lecanorine, sessile, up to 2 mm diam. 

Surface brown to black. Margin distinct, thin, verruculose. Ascospores 4-7-celled, 

sometimes submuriform, hyaline, oblong-obtuse, 8 per ascus, 26-34 x 13-15 µ. 

Photobiont cyanobacterial. Excipulum euthyplectenchimatous. - Note: both on 

calcareous rocks and soil, often in rather disturbed habitats such as walls in small 

conurbations, most common in C and S Italy. 

Lobes width < 3 mm. Isidia granulose. Thallus thick 

Collema tenax 

Thallus foliose, homeomerous, dark olive-green to brownish black, thick. Lobes 1- 

2(3) mm wide, elongate, smooth, adpressed to the substratum, very variable in shape, 

from radiating to subterete and ascending, flattened or concave. Isidia granulose. 

Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, up to 3 mm diam. Surface brown to black. 

Margin distinct, thick, smooth. Ascospores many-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per 

ascus, 15-20 x 6.5 µ. Photobiont cyanobacterial. Excipulum euthyplectenchymatous 

Forms with 4-celled, smaller spores and isidia belong to var. diffractoareolatum 

(Schaer.) Degel. - Note: on more or less calciferous or base-rich soil (e.g. in dry 

grasslands), on consolidating sand and terricolous bryophytes, more rarely directly on 

rock, often in disturbed habitats such as track sides, also found in large urban 

settlements (e.g. in the very center of Rome), certainly the most common species of 

the genus in Italy. 

6 Ascospores 1-celled 

Lempholemma polyanthes 

Thallus foliose, homeomerous, dark olivaceous to blackish, wrinkled, loosely 

attached, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Lobes 1-2(3) mm wide, elongate, flattened, granulose, 

adpressed to the substratum. Edge entire. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, semiimmersed. 

Surface brown, concave, smooth. Margin indistinct. Subhymenium 

colourless. Paraphyses simple, not apically thickened, adglutinated. Ascospores 

hyaline, globose, 8 per ascus, 9-14 x 9-14 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia 

bacilliform. Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: on terricolous or epilithic bryophytes, 

over soil or on plant debris, sometimes on walls, much overlooked, probably more 

widespread. 



Collema tenax 

Thallus foliose, homeomerous, dark olive-green to brownish black, thick. Lobes 1- 

2(3) mm wide, elongate, smooth, adpressed to the substratum, very variable in shape, 

from radiating to subterete and ascending, flattened or concave. Apothecia frequent, 

lecanorine, sessile, up to 3 mm diam. Surface brown to black. Margin distinct, thick, 

smooth. Ascospores many-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 17-26(30) x 6.5-8.5 

µ. Photobiont cyanobacterial. Excipulum euthyplectenchymatous. - Note: on more or 

less calciferous or base-rich soil (e.g. in dry grasslands), on consolidating sand and 

terricolous bryophytes, more rarely directly on rock, often in disturbed habitats such 

as track sides, also found in large urban settlements (e.g. in the very center of Rome), 

certainly the most common species of the genus in Italy. 

7 Ascospores more than 4-celled 8 

8 Ascospores not hyaline 

Collema bachmanianum 

Thallus foliose, homeomerous, black, thick. Lobes elongate. Apothecia frequent, 


crenulate. Ascospores many-celled, not hyaline, ellipsoid, submuriform, 8 per ascus, 

26-32 x 8.5-15 µ. Photobiont cyanobacterial. Excipulum euthyplectenchymatous. – 

Note: on more or less calciferous soil, a northern species, restricted to the Alps in 

Italy. 

8 Ascospores hyaline 9 

9 Ascospores per ascus 8 

Collema tenax 

9

9 

Thallus foliose, homeomerous, dark olive green to brownish black, thick. Lobes 1- 

2(3) mm wide, elongate, convex, adpressed to the substratum, very variable in shape, 

from radiating to subterete and ascending, flattened or concave. Apothecia frequent, 


smooth. Ascospores many-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, submuriform, 8 per ascus, 17- 

26(30) x 8.5-10.5(13) µ. Photobiont cyanobacterial. Excipulum 

euthyplectenchymatous. - Note: on more or less calciferous or base-rich soil (e.g. in 

dry grasslands), on consolidating sand and terricolous bryophytes, more rarely directly 

on rock, often in disturbed habitats such as track sides, also found in large urban 

settlements (e.g. in the very center of Rome), certainly the most common species of 

the genus in Italy. 

Ascospores per ascus 4 10 

10 Thallus thick. Lobes convex, ascending 

Collema ceraniscum 

Thallus foliose, homeomerous, black, thick, lobulate. Lobes 1-2(3) mm wide, convex, 

smooth, contiguous, ascending, subterete. Edge lobed. Undersurface black. Apothecia 

frequent, lecanorine, sessile, up to 1 mm diam. Surface brown to black. Margin 

distinct. Ascospores many-celled, hyaline, ovoid, cubical when young, submuriform, 

4 per ascus, 20-36 x 13-22 µ. Photobiont cyanobacterial. Excipulum 

euthyplechtenchymatous. – Note: over frost-disturbed ground on weakly calcareous 

substrata, a northern species, to be looked for throughout the Alps. 

10 Thallus thin. Lobes plane, subcrustose, adpressed to the substratum 

Collema limosum 

Thallus foliose to subcrustose, homeomerous, black, thin, continuous. Lobes flattened, 

contiguous, adpressed to the substratum. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, up to 

3 mm diam. Surface brown to black. Margin distinct, thick, verruculose. Ascospores 

many-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, submuriform, 4 per ascus, 26-34 x 10-15 µ. 

Photobiont cyanobacterial. Excipulum euthyplectenchymatous. - Note: a short-lived 

species of mineral, clay soil in disturbed habitats, certainly overlooked, but never 

common in Italy. 

11 Photobiont chlorococcoid 12 

11 Photobiont cyanobacterial 23 

12 With soredia 

Parmelia sulcata 

Thallus foliose, grey, K+ yellow, C-. Lobes (2)3-6 mm wide, elongate, flattened, 

adpressed to the substratum, truncated. Edge angular. Pseudocyphellae linear, on 

upper surface. Soredia grey. Soralia linear, laminar. Rhizines dark, simple, abundant 

at margin. Medulla K+ yellow changing to red, C-, KC+ orange, P+ orange. Medulla 

UV -. Apothecia rare, lecanorine, sessile, strongly constricted. Surface brown. Margin 

distinct, grey. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 11-15 x 6-8 µ. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: certainly the most common and wide-ranging 

Parmelia in Italy, also present near large urban settlements in the north, rare only in 

the eu-Mediterranean belt. 


13 Marginal cilia present 

Anaptychia ciliaris 

Thallus foliose, grey to grey-brown, bifacial, shrubby, loosely attached, with thin 

transparent hairs, K-, C-, P-. Lobes (2)3-6 mm wide, linear, ascending. Edge entire, 

with marginal cilia. Undersurface pale brownish to white, channelled. Lower cortex 

absent. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, substipitate, strongly constricted, up to 5 mm 

diam. Surface black, often faintly pruinose. Margin distinct, verrucose, grey to grey 

brown, smooth or crenulate. Ascospores 2-celled, not hyaline, ellipsoid, constricted at 

septa, thin-walled, ornamented, 8 per ascus, 40-45 x 18-24 µ. Pycnidia semiimmersed. 

Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on bark of 

deciduous, rarely coniferous, more or less isolated trees, sometimes also on rock and 

amongst terricolous mosses in open situations, locally common in the Apennines and 

in the islands. 

13 Marginal cilia absent 14 

10

14 Apothecia lecanorine, with a thalline margin containing algal cells 15 

14 Apothecia non lecanorine, without a thalline margin 18 

15 Lobes width > 3 mm 

Parmelia somloensis 

Thallus foliose, greenish-yellow, smooth, loosely attached. Lobes (2)3-6 mm wide, 

elongate, flattened, adpressed to the substratum. Undersurface brownish. Rhizines 

simple, abundant at margin. Medulla K+ yellow, C-, KC+ orange, P+ orange. Medulla 

UV -. Apothecia rare, lecanorine, sessile, strongly constricted. Surface brown, plane. 

Margin distinct. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 6-10 x 4-5 µ. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. – Note: on weathered siliceous rocks and mineral soil in 

open, dry situations, a variable species, which needs further study, although several 

Italian records require confirmation, this species is certainly widespread throughout 

the country. 

15 Lobes width < 3 mm 16 

16 Thallus pruinose, greenish 

Physconia muscigena 

Thallus foliose, grey to brownish grey, often densely white-pruinose, loosely attached, 

K-, C-, KC-, P-. Pruina at the periphery. Lobes 1-2(3) mm wide, elongate, flattened, 

imbricate. Edge entire. Undersurface whitish. Rhizines pale, squarrose. Upper cortex 

paraplectenchymatous. Medulla white, K-. Apothecia rare, lecanorine. Ascospores 2celled, 

not hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on 

mosses and plant debris in open situations, such as in grasslands and on mosses 

growing on isolated calcareous boulders, from the subalpine and alpine belts of the 

Alps, throughout the Apennines. 

16 Thallus non-pruinose, not greenish 17 

17 Substrata siliceous. Lobes

18 Apothecia laminal, semi-immersed in the upper surface 19 

19 Ascospores per ascus 8 

Solorina octospora 

Thallus foliose, pale greyish-green, tinged brown when dry, bright green when wet, 

very well developed, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Lobes (2)3-6 mm wide, rounded, flattened, 

contiguous, adpressed to the substratum. Undersurface white, tomentose. Veins on 

undersurface flat, dark. Medulla white, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a 

thalline margin, semi-immersed, up to 7 mm diam. Surface brown to black, concave. 

Paraphyses not anastomosing, simple, not apically thickened, adglutinated. 

Ascospores 2-celled, not hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 35-40 x 18-21 µ. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: on soil rich in humus and terricolous mosses, often found in 

cracks of the rock. 


20 Ascospores per ascus 2 21 

20 Ascospores per ascus 4 22 

21 Internal pseudo-cephalodia well-developed. Thallus pale grey to brown grey, often 

white-pruinose. Ascospores 60-100 x 27-60 µ 

Solorina bispora ssp. bispora 

Thallus foliose, pale grey to brown grey, often white-pruinose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Lobes 

0.5-1 mm wide, rounded, flattened, smooth, adpressed to the substratum, poorly 

developed, of irregular lobes with a single urceolate apothecium at the center of each 

lobe. Undersurface white, tomentose. Medulla white, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia 

frequent, without a thalline margin, semi-immersed, up to 5 mm diam. Surface brown 

to black, concave. Paraphyses not anastomosing, simple, not apically thickened, 

adglutinated. Asci clavate. Ascospores 2-celled, not hyaline, ellipsoid, 2 per ascus, 60- 

100 x 27-60 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Internal pseudo-cephalodia well-developed. 

- Note: on humid soil rich in humus in situations with a long snow-lie, common 

throughout the Alps, but occurring also, although more rarely, in the Apennines, 

several records could refer to S. bispora ssp. macrospora. 

21 Internal pseudo-cephalodia scarce. Thallus pale grey to brown-grey, often whitepruinose. 

Ascospores 95-140 x 45-60 µ 

Solorina bispora ssp. macrospora 

Thallus foliose, pale grey to brown-grey, often white-pruinose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Lobes 

0.5-1 mm wide, rounded, flattened, adpressed to the substratum, poorly developed, of 

irregular lobes with a single urceolate apothecium at the center of each lobe. 

Undersurface white, tomentose. Medulla white, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, 

without a thalline margin, semi-immersed, up to 5 mm diam. Surface brown to black, 

concave. Paraphyses not anastomosing, simple, not apically thickened, adglutinated. 

Ascospores 2-celled, not hyaline, ellipsoid, 2 per ascus, 95-140 x 45-60 µ. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. Internal pseudo-cephalodia scarce. - Note: distinguished by the larger 

spores, probably more widespread in the Alps. 

22 Lobes (2)3-6 mm wide. 

Solorina saccata 

Thallus foliose, pale greyish-green, tinged brown when dry, bright green when wet, 

very well developed, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Lobes (2)3-6 mm wide, rounded, adpressed to 

the substratum, sometimes densely white-pruinose. Undersurface white, densely 

tomentose, indistinctly veined, tomentose. Veins on undersurface flat, dark. Medulla 

white, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, semi-immersed. 

Surface brown to black, concave. Paraphyses not anastomosing, simple, not apically 

thickened, adglutinated. Ascospores 2-celled, not hyaline, ellipsoid, thick-walled, 

ornamented, 4 per ascus, 30-60 x 18-28 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on soil 

rich in humus and terricolous mosses, often found in cracks of the rock, common only 

in the Alps, becoming rarer southwards through the Apennines. 

22 Lobes 0.5-1 mm wide, reduced to a collar around the urceolate apothecia 

Solorina spongiosa 

Thallus foliose, pale grey, often white pruinose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Lobes 0.5-1 mm 

wide, rounded, adpressed to the substratum, reduced to a collar around the urceolate 

12

23 

apothecia, on a dark layer of coralloid to nodulose cephalodia. Undersurface white, 

tomentose. Medulla white, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, 

semi-immersed, up to 5 mm diam. Surface brown to black, concave. Paraphyses not 

anastomosing, simple, not apically thickened, adglutinated. Asci clavate. Ascospores 

2-celled, not hyaline, ellipsoid, ornamented, 4 per ascus, 30-60 x 18-28 µ. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. External cephalodia well-developed. - Note: a species of moist 

calcareous soil, probably restricted to the Alps in Italy. 

With soredia or isidia 24 

23 Without soredia or isidia 26 


Peltigera didactyla 

Thallus foliose, grey to brownish, with thin transparent hairs, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Lobes 

6-10 mm wide, rounded, concave, smooth, dispersed, non imbricate, with rounded 

ends. Edge up-turned, entire. Soredia grey. Soralia maculiform, laminar, plane. 

Undersurface whitish. Veins on undersurface flat, pale. Upper cortex 

paraplectenchymatous. Lower cortex absent. Apothecia rare, without a thalline 

margin. Surface brown, convex. Paraphyses simple, distinctly thickened above. 

Ascospores 4-celled, hyaline, acicular, 8 per ascus, (36)45-65(80) x 3-5 µ. Pycnidia 

dark, immersed. Conidia fusiform. Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: an ephemeral 

lichen of disturbed mineral soil, most common in the Alps, becoming much rarer, and 

restricted to upland areas in the south. 

24 With isidia 25 

25 Isidia peltate, diffuse. Lobes 6-10 mm wide 

Peltigera lepidophora 

Thallus foliose, grey brown to brown, often with a yellowish hue, smooth, loosely 

attached, tomentose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Lobes 6-10 mm wide, elongate, flattened, 

adpressed to the substratum, with rounded ends. Edge up-turned, entire. Isidia peltate, 

diffuse, simple. Undersurface whitish. Veins on undersurface flat, dark. Rhizines dark, 

simple. Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. Lower cortex absent. Apothecia rare, 

without a thalline margin, subterminal. Surface brown, convex. Paraphyses simple, 

distinctly thickened above. Ascospores 4-celled, hyaline, acicular, 8 per ascus, 49-59 x 

5 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia fusiform. Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: a 

rather pioneer species of base-rich mineral soil in upland areas. 

25 Isidia spatulate, clustered. Lobes >10 mm wide 

Peltigera praetextata 

Thallus foliose, brownish, smooth, loosely attached, tomentose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Lobes broad, elongate, flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum, with 

rounded ends. Edge up-turned, entire. Isidia spatulate, clustered, simple. Undersurface 

whitish. Veins on undersurface raised, pale. Rhizines pale, simple. Upper cortex 

paraplectenchymatous. Lower cortex absent. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline 

margin, subterminal. Surface brown, convex. Paraphyses simple, distinctly thickened 

above. Asci clavate. Ascospores 4-celled, hyaline, acicular, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 

(29)38-58(65) x 2.6-5.2 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia fusiform. Photobiont 

cyanobacterial. - Note: an ecologically wide-ranging species, found both in open 

woodlands and in grasslands (but only in rather humid areas), on mosses, mineral or 

organic soil. 

26 Veins on undersurface absent 

Peltigera elisabethae 

26 

Thallus foliose, grey-brown, shiny, smooth, loosely attached, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Lobes 

broad, elongate, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum, non imbricate, with rounded 

ends. Edge up-turned, phyllidiate. Undersurface blackish brown with rounded white 

spots. Rhizines dark, squarrose. Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. Lower cortex 

absent. Apothecia rare, without a thalline margin, subterminal. Surface brown, plane. 

Paraphyses simple, distinctly thickened above. Asci clavate. Ascospores 4-celled, 

hyaline, acicular, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, (24)27-34(44) x 3-7 µ. Pycnidia dark, 

immersed. Conidia fusiform. Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: on terricolous 

bryophytes and soil rich in humus in sheltered situations. 

Veins on undersurface present 27 

27 Upper surface with sparse erect tomentum (use lens!) 

13

14 

Peltigera kristinssonii 

27 

Thallus foliose, grey brown to brown, often with a yellowish hue, smooth, loosely 

attached, with thin transparent hairs, tomentose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Lobes >10 mm wide, 

elongate, flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum, with rounded ends. Edge 

up-turned, entire. Undersurface whitish. Veins on undersurface flat, dark. Rhizines 

pale, squarrose. Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. Lower cortex absent. Apothecia 

frequent, without a thalline margin, subterminal. Surface brown, convex. Paraphyses 

simple, distinctly thickened above. Asci clavate. Ascospores 4-celled, hyaline, 

acicular, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, (40)44-59(73) x 3-4(5.2) µ. Pycnidia dark, 

immersed. Conidia fusiform. Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: a slightly calciphilous 

species, probably more widespread, both in the Alps and the Apennines. 

Upper surface without erect tomentum, if tomentose, tomentum not erect 28 

28 Thallus non tomentose 29 

28 Thallus tomentose 34 

29 Veins on undersurface raised 30 

29 Veins on undersurface flat 31 

30 Rhizinae pale. Veins pale. Thallus bluish grey 

Peltigera degenii 

Thallus foliose, bluish grey, shiny, smooth, loosely attached, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Lobes 

>10 mm wide, elongate, flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum, with 

rounded ends. Edge undulate. Undersurface whitish, pale brown in the center. Veins 

on undersurface raised, pale. Rhizines pale, simple. Upper cortex 


margin, subterminal. Surface pale brown, convex. Paraphyses simple, distinctly 

thickened above. Asci clavate. Ascospores 4-celled, hyaline, acicular, thin-walled, 8 

per ascus, (40)45-60(68) x 2.5-5 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia fusiform. 

Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: on terricolous bryophytes, soil rich in humus and 

mossy rocks, sometimes on bark on basal parts of of trunks. 

30 Rhizinae dark. Veins dark. Thallus bluish- to brownish grey 

Peltigera neckeri 

Thallus foliose, bluish- to brownish grey, smooth, loosely attached, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Lobes >10 mm wide, elongate, flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum, 

with rounded ends. Edge up-turned, undulate. Undersurface pale at the margin, darker 

in the center. Veins on undersurface raised, dark. Rhizines dark. Upper cortex 


margin, subterminal. Surface dark brown to black, convex. Paraphyses simple, 

distinctly thickened above. Asci clavate. Ascospores 4-celled, hyaline, acicular, thinwalled, 

8 per ascus, (31)49-61 x 3.9-5.2 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia 

fusiform. Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: in humid areas on soil, otherwise on 

terricolous, epiphytic and silicicolous mosses, most frequent in humid-warm beech 

forests. 

31 Veins 2 mm broad 33 

32 Ascomatal disk plane. Rhizines fasciculate, separate, arranged in concentric lines. 

Undersurface pale, darker in the center 

Peltigera horizontalis 

Thallus foliose, bluish- to brownish grey, shiny, smooth, loosely attached, K-, C-, KC- 

, P-. Lobes >10 mm wide, elongate, flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the 

substratum, with rounded ends. Edge undulate. Undersurface pale, darker in the 

center. Veins on undersurface flat, dark. Rhizines dark, squarrose. Upper cortex 


margin, subterminal. Surface brown, plane. Paraphyses simple, distinctly thickened 


(25)33-41(47) x 3-7 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia fusiform. Photobiont 

cyanobacterial. - Note: on mosses (also epiphytic and epilithic) and humous soil in 

openings of humid broadleaved forests. 

32 Ascomatal disk convex. Rhizines becoming confluent, not arranged in concentric 

lines. Undersurface brownish at the margin, darker in the center

15 

Peltigera polydactyla 

33 



substratum, with rounded ends. Edge dilacerate. Undersurface brownish at the margin, 

darker in the center. Veins on undersurface flat, dark. Rhizines squarrose. Upper 

cortex paraplectenchymatous. Lower cortex absent. Apothecia frequent, without a 

thalline margin, subterminal. Surface brown, convex. Paraphyses simple, distinctly 


per ascus, (40)51-66(73) x 2.6-5.2 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia fusiform. 

Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: predominantly a forest floor species, occurring in 

more or less boreal forests amongst and over mosses, more rarely on rock or on bark, 

on basal parts of old trees. 

Thallus matt. Rhizinae pale. Veins pale 

Peltigera hymenina 

Thallus foliose, grey to brownish, often somehow maculate, smooth, loosely attached, 

K-, C-, KC-, P-. Lobes >10 mm wide, elongate, flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the 

substratum, with rounded ends. Edge up-turned, undulate. Undersurface pale, with 

ochraceous veins. Veins on undersurface flat, pale. Rhizines pale, simple. Upper 

cortex paraplectenchymatous. Lower cortex absent. Apothecia frequent, without a 

thalline margin, subterminal. Surface brown, convex. Paraphyses simple, distinctly 


per ascus, (47)57-71(90) x 3-5 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia fusiform. 

Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: on mineral soil in rather open, but never fully sunexposed 

habitats, often associated with mosses. 

33 Thallus shiny. Rhizinae dark. Veins dark 

Peltigera neopolydactyla 



substratum, with rounded ends. Edge up-turned, undulate. Undersurface pale at the 

margin, darker in the center. Veins on undersurface flat, dark. Rhizines dark, simple. 

Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. Lower cortex absent. Apothecia frequent, 

without a thalline margin, subterminal. Surface pale to dark brown, convex. 


hyaline, acicular, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 50-90(100) x 3-5 µ. Pycnidia dark, 

immersed. Conidia fusiform. Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: predominantly a 

forest floor species, occurring in more or less boreal forests amongst and over mosses, 

more rarely on rock or on bark, on basal parts of old trees. 

34 Lobes 10 mm wide 36 

35 Rhizinae simple 

Peltigera ponojensis 


Lobes 6-10 mm wide, elongate, flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum, 

with rounded ends. Edge up-turned, entire. Undersurface whitish. Veins on 

undersurface raised, pale. Rhizines pale, simple. Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. 

Lower cortex absent. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, subterminal. 

Surface brown, convex. Paraphyses simple, distinctly thickened above. Asci clavate. 

Ascospores 4-celled, hyaline, acicular, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, (29)38-58(65) x 2.6- 

5.2 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia fusiform. Photobiont cyanobacterial. Isidia 

marginal and along cracks of the upper cortex Lobes

36 




cyanobacterial. - Note: most common in dry grasslands, esp. in upland areas, but also 

in the Mediterranean belt, where it is generally rare due to intensive grazing and 

trampling, one of the most common species of the genus throughout Italy. 

Rhizinae simple 37 

36 Rhizinae squarrose 38 

37 Veins on undersurface flat, dark. Lobes 10 mm wide, elongate, flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum, 

with rounded ends. Edge up-turned, entire. Undersurface whitish. Veins on 

undersurface flat, dark. Rhizines pale, simple. Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. 

Lower cortex absent. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, subterminal. 

Surface brown, convex. Paraphyses simple, distinctly thickened above. Asci clavate. 

Ascospores 4-celled, hyaline, acicular, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, (29)38-58(65) x 2.6- 

5.2 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia fusiform. Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: 

a recently-described and still rarely collected taxon, related to P. rufescens and P. 

ponojensis, found on soil and amongst mosses over calcareous substrata. 

37 Veins on undersurface raised, pale. Lobes >1 cm broad 

Peltigera praetextata 


Lobes >10 mm wide, elongate, flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum, 

with rounded ends. Edge up-turned, entire. Isidia simple. Undersurface whitish. Veins 

on undersurface raised, pale. Rhizines pale, simple. Upper cortex 

38 





cyanobacterial. Isidia marginal and along cracks of the upper cortex Lobes >1 cm 

broad. - Note: an ecologically wide-ranging species, found both in open woodlands 

and in grasslands (but only in rather humid areas), on mosses, mineral or organic soil. 

Rhizines confluent, veins soon darkened towards center or smooth. Thallus grey to 

brownish grey. Ascomata dark brown to black 

Peltigera canina 

Thallus foliose, grey to brownish grey, smooth, loosely attached, tomentose, K-, C-, 

KC-, P-. Lobes >10 mm wide, elongate, flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the 

substratum, with rounded ends. Edge down-turned, entire. Undersurface whitish, veins 

and rhizines dark towards the centre. Veins on undersurface raised, pale. Rhizines 

pale, squarrose. Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. Lower cortex absent. Apothecia 

frequent, without a thalline margin, subterminal. Surface dark brown to black, convex. 


hyaline, acicular, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, Ascospores (36) 42-53(65) x 2.6-5.2 µ. 

Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia fusiform. Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: on 

terricolous mosses and soil in open forests, sometimes on bark on basal parts of old 

trees, certainly rarer than P. praetextata, with which it was often confused in the past. 

38 Rhizines separate, veins conspicuously erect-tomentose also in thallus center. Thallus 

grey to to brownish grey, glabrescent and shiny towards centre. Ascomata brown to 

reddish brown 

Peltigera membranacea 

Thallus foliose, grey to to brownish grey, glabrescent and shiny towards centre, 

smooth, loosely attached, tomentose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Lobes >10 mm wide, elongate, 

flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum, with rounded ends. Edge downturned, 

entire. Undersurface whitish. Veins on undersurface raised. Rhizines 

squarrose. Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. Lower cortex absent. Apothecia 

frequent, without a thalline margin, subterminal. Surface brown to reddish brown, 

convex. Paraphyses simple, distinctly thickened above. Asci clavate. Ascospores 4celled, 

hyaline, acicular, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, (40)49-64(80) x 2.5-5 µ. Pycnidia 

dark, immersed. Conidia fusiform. Photobiont cyanobacterial. – Note: on mossy 

16

ocks, at the base of boles in woodlands, on more or less base-rich substrata. 

Subkey C - Squamulose lichens 

1 Thallus red 

Psora decipiens 

Thallus squamulose, bright red to reddish brown, often white-pruinose esp. at the 

margin. Squamules (2)3-6 mm wide, rounded, adpressed to the substratum, non 

imbricate. Edge up-turned, crenulate, paler than thallus. Lower cortex absent. 

Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, lateral, sessile. Surface black, 

sometimes white-pruinose, convex, smooth. Margin indistinct, thin, concolorous with 

disk. Epihymenium reddish brown, K+ violet. Subhymenium brownish. Paraphyses 

anastomosing, adglutinated. Asci clavate. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, thin-walled, 8 

per ascus, 11-18 x 6-8 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: on bare, more or less calciferous soil, esp. common in dry 

grasslands, rare only in areas with intensive grazing, high trampling. 






4 Thallus heteromerous 5 

4 Thallus homeomerous 6 

5 Apothecia lecanorine, with a thalline margin containing algal cells. 

Fuscopannaria praetermissa 

Thallus squamulose, brown with a bluish tinge, edge of squamules white feltedtomentose, 

with erect, finger-like lobules, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules 0.5-1 mm wide, 

rounded, flattened, contiguous, imbricate. Edge crenulate, paler than thallus. Upper 

cortex paraplectenchymatous. Apothecia rare, lecanorine only when young. Surface 

brown. Margin (thalline) granulose, usually absent, proper margin very dark. 

Hymenium J+ brownish. Paraphyses simple, slightly thickened above. Ascospores 

hyaline, ellipsoid, thick-walled, 8 per ascus, 15-20 x 9-11 µ. Photobiont 

cyanobacterial. - Note: on more or less calciferous soil, mosses and plant debris. 

5 Apothecia non lecanorine, without a thalline margin. 

Fuscopannaria praetermissa 

Thallus squamulose, brown with a bluish tinge, edge of squamules white feltedtomentose, 

with erect, finger-like lobules, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules 0.5-1 mm wide, 

rounded, flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum, imbricate. Edge 

crenulate, paler than thallus. Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. Apothecia rare, 

lecanorine only when young. Surface brown. Margin (thalline)granulose, usually 

absent, proper margin very dark. Hymenium J+ brownish. Paraphyses simple, slightly 

thickened above. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, thick-walled, 8 per ascus, 15-20 x 9- 

11 µ. Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: on more or less calciferous soil, mosses and 

plant debris. 

6 Thallus with thin transparent hairs 

Leptochidium albociliatum 

Thallus squamulose, homeomerous, dark brownish-greenish black, loosely attached, 

with thin transparent hairs, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules (2)3-6 mm wide, elongate, 

flattened, smooth, contiguous, ascending, to 5 mm, with rounded ends. Edge undulate. 

Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, up to 1 mm diam. Surface brown, smooth. 

Margin distinct, thick. Ascospores 2-celled, hyaline, narrowly ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 

20-24 x 5-6 µ. Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: amongst bryophytes on rocks or on 

soil in open shrublands and grasslands on basic siliceous substrata, much rarer in the 

17

Alps than in Mediterranean Italy, where it often reaches beyond treeline. 

6 Thallus without thin transparent hairs 7 

7 Squamules with entire margin 

Leptogium gelatinosum 

Thallus squamulose, homeomerous, bluish grey to dark brown, often paler in the 

basal, less exposed parts, shiny, thin, lobulate, wrinkled, loosely attached, K-, C-, KC- 

, P-. Squamules 1-2(3) mm wide, elongate, contiguous, ascending, imbricate. Edge 

down-turned, entire. Apothecia rare, lecanorine, sessile, strongly constricted. Surface 

brown, concave, smooth. Margin distinct, thin. Ascospores many-celled, hyaline, 

broadly ellipsoid, submuriform, thin-walled, 8 per ascus. Photobiont cyanobacterial. - 

Note: most common on base-rich siliceous substrata, esp. in open grasslands, and 

apparently well distinguished from the more calcicolous L. lichenoides. 

7 Squamules with deeply dilacerate margin 

Leptogium lichenoides 

Thallus squamulose, homeomerous, bluish grey to dark brown, often paler in the 

basal, less exposed parts, thin, lobulate, wrinkled, loosely attached, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Squamules 1-2(3) mm wide, elongate, contiguous, ascending, imbricate. Edge 

dilacerate. Apothecia rare, lecanorine, sessile, strongly constricted. Surface brown, 

concave, smooth. Margin distinct, thin. Ascospores many-celled, hyaline, broadly 

ellipsoid, submuriform, thin-walled, 8 per ascus. Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: 

this is certainly the most common species of Leptogium throughout the country, esp. 

in dry grasslands, when epiphytic, it mostly occurs on basal parts of trunks, on 

mosses. 

8 Pseudocyphellae present 

Toninia physaroides 

Thallus squamulose, greyish green to greyish brown, pruinose or not, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Squamules 1-2(3) mm wide, bullate, convex, contiguous, ascending, terete. 

Pseudocyphellae punctiform . Medulla K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a 

thalline margin, sessile, strongly constricted. Surface black, plane, smooth. Margin 

distinct, smooth, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium grey, K+ violet, C-, P-, N+ 

violet, KC-. Subhymenium pale brown to colourless. Paraphyses anastomosing, 

distinctly thickened above, free. Asci clavate. Ascospores hyaline, fusiform, 8 per 

ascus, 11.5-18.5 x 3.5-5 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: most common on soil developing from calciferous sandstone, 

often found amongst mosses and associated to cyanobacterial lichens when young, 

rare in limestone areas. 

8 Pseudocyphellae absent 9 


Toninia tristis ssp. pseudotabacina 

Thallus squamulose, chestnut brown to dark brown, shiny, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules 

(2)3-6 mm wide, bullate, convex, contiguous, with rounded ends. Undersurface pale. 

Medulla K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, 

strongly constricted, up to 2 mm diam. Surface black, plane, smooth. Margin distinct, 

smooth, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium bright green, K-, C-, P-, N+ violet, KC- 

. Subhymenium brownish. Paraphyses anastomosing, distinctly thickened above, free. 

Asci clavate. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 10-15.5 x 4.5-6.5 µ. Pycnidia 

dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on soil, 

sometimes it reaches the oromediterranean belt. 


10 Ascospores 2-celled 11 


11 Thallus with punctiform depressions 

Toninia tristis ssp. tristis 





18

smooth, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium brown, K-, C-, P-, N+ violet, KC-. 

Subhymenium brownish. Paraphyses anastomosing, distinctly thickened above, free. 

Asci clavate. Ascospores hyaline, narrowly ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 13.5-20.5 x 3.5-5 µ. 

Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Hypothecium 

without orange and yellow pigments. - Note: in fine crevices of calciferous rocks. 

11 Thallus without punctiform depressions 12 

12 Hypothecium pale to colourless. Thallus medium to dark olivaceous brown with grey 

rim. Epiphymenium olivaceous brown to bright green 

Toninia cinereovirens 

Thallus squamulose, medium to dark olivaceous brown with grey rim, K-, C-, KC-, P- 

. Squamules contiguous, imbricate. Undersurface pale. Medulla K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, strongly constricted. Surface 

black, rarely faintly pruinose, plane, smooth. Margin distinct, smooth, black, 

concolorous with disk. Epihymenium olivaceous brown to bright green, K-, C-, P-, N+ 


distinctly thickened above, free. Asci clavate. Ascospores 2-4-celled, hyaline, 

ellipsoid-cylindrical, 8 per ascus, 13.5-30.5 x 3-4.5 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. 

Conidia filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on calciferous and basic siliceous 

rocks with some seepage of water after rain, on steeply inclined, somehow wheathered 

faces, in rock fissures and on colonies of cyanobacteria. 

12 Hypothecium dark. Thallus dark brown to dark grey, never white-spotted. 

Epiphymenium dark brown, often with a weak greenish tinge (and then N+ faintly 

violet) 

Toninia verrucarioides 

Thallus squamulose, dark brown to dark grey, never white-spotted, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Squamules crenate, flattened. Medulla K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a 

thalline margin, sessile, strongly constricted. Surface black, rarely faintly pruinose, 

plane, smooth. Margin distinct, smooth, black, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium 

dark brown, often with a weak greenish tinge (and then N+ faintly violet), K-, C-, P-, 

N+ violet, KC-. Subhymenium dark brown. Paraphyses anastomosing, distinctly 

thickened above, free. Asci clavate. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid-cylindrical, 8 per 

ascus, 10.5-19 x 3.5-5 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: in fissures and fine crevices of calcareous rocks, often found on 

species of Placynthium when young. 

13 Hypothecium dark 14 

13 Hypothecium pale to colourless 15 

14 Epihymenium N+ violet 







N+ violet, KC-. Subhymenium dark brown. Paraphyses anastomosing, distinctly 

thickened above, free. Asci clavate. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid-cylindrical, 8 per 

ascus, 10.5-19 x 3.5-5 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: in fissures and fine crevices of calcareous rocks, often found on 

species of Placynthium when young. 

14 Epihymenium N- 







N-, KC-. Subhymenium dark brown. Paraphyses anastomosing, distinctly thickened 

above, free. Asci clavate. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid-cylindrical, 8 per ascus, 10.5- 

19 x 3.5-5 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - 

Note: in fissures and fine crevices of calcareous rocks, often found on species of 

19

Placynthium when young. 

15 Squamules imbricate. Ascospores ellipsoid-cylindrical, 2-4-celled, 13.5-30.5 x 3-4.5 µ 

Toninia cinereovirens 

Thallus squamulose, medium to dark olivaceous brown with grey rim, K-, C-, KC-, P- 

. Squamules contiguous, imbricate. Undersurface pale. Medulla K-, C-, KC-, P-. 


black, rarely faintly pruinose, plane, smooth. Margin distinct, smooth, black, 

concolorous with disk. Epihymenium olivaceous brown to bright green, K-, C-, P-, N+ 


distinctly thickened above, free. Asci clavate. Ascospores 2-4-celled, hyaline, 

ellipsoid-cylindrical, 8 per ascus, 13.5-30.5 x 3-4.5 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. 

Conidia filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on calciferous and basic siliceous 

rocks with some seepage of water after rain, on steeply inclined, somehow wheathered 

faces, in rock fissures and on colonies of cyanobacteria. 

15 Squamules adpressed to the substratum. Ascospores acicular, 4-8-celled, 23-41.5 x 

2.5-4.5 µ 

Toninia squalida 

Thallus squamulose, medium to dark brown, with a greyish tinge, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Squamules 1-2(3) mm wide, crenate, flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the 

substratum. Undersurface pale. Medulla K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without 

a thalline margin, sessile, strongly constricted. Surface black, plane, smooth. Margin 

distinct, smooth, black, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium olivaceous to bright 

green, K-, C-, P-, N+ violet, KC-. Subhymenium pale brown to colourless. Paraphyses 

anastomosing, distinctly thickened above, free. Asci clavate. Ascospores 4-8-celled, 

hyaline, acicular, 8 per ascus, 23-41.5 x 2.5-4.5 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia 

filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on soil, more rarely on more or less 

weathered base-rich or weakly calciferous siliceous rocks in dry-warm areas, often 

associated to cyanobacteria or cyanobacterial lichen when young. 



17 Apothecia non lecanorine, without a thalline margin. Prothallus absent. Squamules 

concave 

Heppia adglutinata 

Thallus squamulose, yellowish-olive to brown, thick, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules 

(2)3-6 mm wide, concave, granulose, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum. Edge 

concolorous with thallus. Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. Apothecia frequent, 

without a thalline margin, semi-immersed, not constricted, up to 2 mm diam. Surface 

dark reddish brown, concave. Margin indistinct. Epihymenium brownish, K-. 

Hymenium J+ red. Subhymenium colourless. Paraphyses simple, distinctly thickened 

above, free. Asci prototunicate. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, thin-walled, 8 

per ascus, (15)18-24(30) x 6-10.5(12) µ. Pycnidia dark. Conidia bacilliform. 

Photobiont cyanobacterial. Lower cortex formed by periclinally arranged hyphae. - 

Note: an ephemeral lichen of disturbed calcareous soil in dry, open grasslands, some 

records of H. lutosa might belong here. 

17 Apothecia lecanorine, with a thalline margin containing algal cells. Prothallus present, 

dark. Squamules convex 

Pannaria hookeri 

Thallus squamulose, pale grey, sometimes tinged pale brownish, more or less whitemaculate, 

effigurate, orbicular, lobulate, K-, C-, KC-. Squamules 1-2(3) mm wide, 

crenate, convex, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum. Hypo/prothallus present, 

dark. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, up to 2 mm diam. Surface black to rarely 

dark brown, plane. Margin distinct, thick, crenulate. Ascospores hyaline, broadly 

ellipsoid, thin-walled, not ornamented, 8 per ascus, 11-15 x 8-11 µ. Pycnidia dark, 

immersed. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont cyanobacterial. - Note: on slightly 

calciferous soil (mostly deriving from metamorphic rocks) in sites with periodical 

water seepage, probably restricted to the Alps in Italy. 

18 Squamules subfoliose, ascending, bifacial, without ascocarps (Cladonia) 19 

18 Squamules of different form, but not thin, subfoliose, bifacial and ascending 24 

20

19 Thallus K+ red 20 


20 Thallus P+ red. Primary squamules forming dense mats 

Cladonia polycarpoides 

Thallus squamulose, grey, K+ red, C-, KC-, P+ red. Primary squamules large, forming 

dense mats. Undersurface of squamules white. Pycnidia dark, semi-immersed. Conidia 

cylindrical. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on more or less calcareous mineral soil 

in open grasslands and on soil pockets on large isolated boulders, probably somehow 

overlooked in Italy and more widespread in the Alps. 

20 Thallus P+ orange. 

Cladonia symphycarpa 

Thallus squamulose, grey, K+ red, C-, KC-, P+ orange. Podetia to 1 cm tall, very rare, 

with irregular cups. Primary squamules large, to 2-3 mm tall, horizontally spreading, 

with recurved margins, grey-green above. Undersurface of squamules white. 

Ascospores 8 per ascus. Pycnidia dark, semi-immersed. Conidia cylindrical. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on calcareous ground in dry grasslands or on the 

top of large, exposed calcareous boulders, certainly occurring throughout S Italy. 

21 Squamules not white below 22 

21 Squamules white below 23 

22 Primary squamules 15-40 x 2-10 mm, forming straggling clusters 

Cladonia convoluta 

Thallus squamulose, greenish grey, K-, C-, KC-, P+ red. Podetia to 1 cm tall, very 

rare. Primary squamules very large (>10 mm), 15-40 x 2-10 mm, sometimes with 

black or white hairs at the margins, forming straggling clusters. Undersurface of 

squamules yellowish. Pycnidia dark, semi-immersed. Conidia cylindrical. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: on mineral soil in dry grasslands, or in intradunal depressions, 

also occurring in dry-continental Alpine valleys. 

22 Primary squamules 4-15 x 1-3 mm, forming compact mats 

Cladonia foliacea 

Thallus squamulose, greenish grey, K-, C-, KC-, P+ red. Podetia to 1 cm tall, very 

rare. Primary squamules very large (>10 mm), 4-15 x 1-3 mm, forming compact mats, 

sometimes with black hairs at the margins. Undersurface of squamules yellowish. 

Ascospores 8 per ascus. Pycnidia dark, semi-immersed. Conidia cylindrical. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: an ecological vicariant of C. convoluta on more or 

less acid, but often base-rich ground. 

23 Thallus greenish grey. Primary squamules thin, irregularly incised and ascending, 

often forming low cushions 

Cladonia caespiticia 

Thallus squamulose, greenish grey, K-, C-, P+ red. Podetia to 3 mm tall, decorticate. 

Primary squamules medium-sized (1-3mm), to 7 mm long, irregularly incised and 

ascending, often forming low cushions. Undersurface of squamules white. Medulla 

UV -. Pycnidia semi-immersed. Conidia cylindrical. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - 

Note: on mineral, generally sandy-clay soil, occasionally on rotting wood and on 

bases of ancient trunks, in rather sheltered situations. 

23 Thallus brownish-greyish green. Primary squamules 1-2 mm thick, flat, forming a 

subrosulate crust 

Cladonia pocillum 

Thallus squamulose, brownish-greyish green, K-, C-, KC-, P+ red. Primary squamules 

medium-sized (1-3mm), 1-2 mm thick, flat, forming a subrosulate crust. Undersurface 

of squamules white. Medulla UV -. Ascospores 8 per ascus. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: on soil and amongst bryophytes in dry, open grasslands, one of 

the most common Cladonias of Italy, the distinction towards C. pyxidata is wellworthy 

of a DNA study, in my opinion, the two taxa might prove to be well-distinct. 

24 With isidia. Thallus C+red, KC+ red 

21

22 

Trapeliopsis wallrothii 

Thallus squamulose, whitish to pale grey, thick, effigurate, areolate, K-, C+ red, KC+ 

red, P-. Areolae angular, flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum. Isidia 

spatulate, clustered, simple. Apothecia rare, without a thalline margin, sessile, up to 

1.5 mm diam. Surface pink-brown to dull grey-green often faintly pruinose, plane. 

Margin distinct, thin. Epihymenium pale to brownish. Paraphyses anastomosing, 

ramified, not apically thickened, adglutinated. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 

thick-walled, 8 per ascus, 8-14 x 4-5 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia cylindrical. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on base-rich, non or weakly calcareous soil, 

sometimes overgrowing mosses, mostly in open situations. 

24 Without soredia or isidia. Thallus C-, KC- 25 

25 Pseudocyphellae present 

Toninia physaroides 

Thallus squamulose, greyish green to greyish brown, pruinose or not, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Squamules 1-2(3) mm wide, bullate, convex, contiguous, ascending, terete. 

Pseudocyphellae punctiform . Medulla K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a 

thalline margin, sessile, strongly constricted. Surface black, plane, smooth. Margin 

distinct, smooth, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium grey, K+ violet, C-, P-, N+ 



ascus, 11.5-18.5 x 3.5-5 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: most common on soil developing from calciferous sandstone, 

often found amongst mosses and associated to cyanobacterial lichens when young, 

rare in limestone areas. 

25 Pseudocyphellae absent 26 

26 With perithecia 27 

26 With apothecia 41 


Placidiopsis pseudocinerea 

Thallus squamulose, brownish grey, often faintly pruinose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Squamules 1-2(3) mm wide, rounded, flattened, smooth, adpressed to the substratum, 

non imbricate. Edge undulate. Undersurface dark. Perithecia frequent, laminal. 

Paraphyses absent. Asci unitunicate, clavate. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 

thin-walled, 8 per ascus, (14)15-19(21) x (6.5)7.5-9(10) µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. 

Some spores ovoid to clavate, sometimes curved, restricted at septum. - Note: on soil 

and on muribund bryophytes on siliceous, base-rich or slightly calciferous soil (e.g. 

developing from calcareous schist). 




29 Ascospores hyaline. Squamules

immersed. Conidia crescent-shaped. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on terricolous 

mosses, often near and on cyanobacterial colonies, with optimum in upland areas with 

more or less base-rich siliceous rocks. 

30 Ascospores per ascus 1-2. Squamules adpressed to the substratum. Perithecia fully 

immersed 

Endocarpon pusillum 

Thallus squamulose, pale greenish grey to brownish, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules 1- 

2(3) mm wide, crenate, flattened, smooth, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum, 

non imbricate. Undersurface of squamules dark throughout. Perithecia frequent, 

globose, fully immersed. Ascospores not hyaline, ellipsoid, muriform, 1-2 per ascus, 

25-60(75) x 11-23 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia crescent-shaped. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: the genus Endocarpon badly needs revision, E. pusillum in the 

sense of most European authors is heterogeneous, and perhaps could be subdivided 

into several species. 

31 Perithecial wall dark throughout 32 

31 Perithecial wall pale throughout 36 

32 Perithecia without involucrellum 

Catapyrenium michelii 

Thallus squamulose, brown, thin, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules (2)3-6 mm wide, 

rounded, flattened, smooth, adpressed to the substratum. Edge concolorous with 

thallus. Undersurface black. Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. Perithecia frequent, 

laminal, pyriform, half immersed, not flattened. Paraphyses absent. Perithecial wall 

dark throughout. Asci unitunicate, cylindrical. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 

thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 11-15 x 5-6 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Rhizohyphae pale. 

- Note: on mineral, esp. sandy soil in open grasslands. 

32 Perithecia with involucrellum 33 

33 Perithecia laminal 34 

33 Perithecia marginal 35 

34 Perithecia globose. Lower cortex present. Ascospores (15) 17-23 (25) x (6) 6.5-8.5 

(9.5) µ 

Catapyrenium cinereum 

Thallus squamulose, brownish grey, often faintly pruinose especially towards the 

centre, thin, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules 1-2(3) mm wide, crenate, flattened, smooth, 

contiguous, adpressed to the substratum, non imbricate. Edge deeply incised, darker 

than thallus. Hypo/prothallus present, dark. Undersurface dark. Upper cortex 

paraplectenchymatous. Lower cortex paraplectenchymatous. Perithecia frequent, 

laminal, globose, half immersed, not flattened, with an involucrellum extending all 

around the perithecium. Paraphyses absent. Perithecial wall dark throughout. Asci 

unitunicate, clavate. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, clavate, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 

(15) 17-23 (25) x (6) 6.5-8.5 (9.5) µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Rhizohyphae dark. - 

Note: on siliceous, base-rich soil with mica, or amongst terricolous bryophytes, a 

boreal-arctic species occurring also in more southern mountains. 

34 Perithecia pyriform. Lower cortex absent. Ascospores (15) 17-22 (24) x (5) 6-8 (9) µ 

Catapyrenium daedaleum 

Thallus squamulose, brownish grey, often faintly pruinose especially towards the 

centre, thin, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules 1-2(3) mm wide, flattened, smooth, 

contiguous, adpressed to the substratum, non imbricate. Edge crenulate, concolorous 

with thallus. Hypo/prothallus present, dark. Undersurface dark. Upper cortex 

paraplectenchymatous. Lower cortex absent. Perithecia frequent, laminal, pyriform, 

half immersed, not flattened, with an involucrellum extending all around the 

perithecium. Paraphyses absent. Perithecial wall dark throughout. Asci unitunicate, 

clavate. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, clavate, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, (15) 17-22 

(24) x (5) 6-8 (9) µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Asci 75-85 µ long, 17-20 µ broad All 

spores clearly one-celled. Rhizohyphae dark. - Note: on plant debris, mosses and bare, 

humus rich soil on more or less calcareous ground, perhaps less common than C. 

cinereum in the mountains of the south. 

35 Rhizohyphae pale. Involucrellum apical. Lower cortex absent 

23

Catapyrenium tremniacense 

Thallus squamulose, beige to pale brown, thin, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules (2)3-6 mm 

wide, crenate, flattened, smooth, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum. Edge 

crenulate. Hypo/prothallus present, pale. Undersurface dark. Upper cortex 

paraplectenchymatous. Lower cortex absent. Perithecia frequent, marginal, globose, 

protruding, not flattened, with apical involucrellum. Paraphyses absent. Perithecial 

wall dark throughout. Asci unitunicate, clavate. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, 

ellipsoid, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 13-17 (18) x 6-7 (8) µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. 

Rhizohyphae pale. - Note: a widespread species of open grasslands on calcareous 

substrata, probably more common throughout the country. 

35 Rhizohyphae dark. Involucrellum all around the perithecium. Lower cortex present 

Catapyrenium waltheri 

Thallus squamulose, brownish, sometimes with a grey tinge, thin, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Squamules 1-2(3) mm wide, crenate, flattened, smooth, contiguous, adpressed to the 

substratum. Edge crenulate. Hypo/prothallus present, dark. Undersurface dark. Upper 

cortex paraplectenchymatous. Lower cortex paraplectenchymatous. Perithecia 

frequent, marginal, globose, protruding, not flattened, with an involucrellum 

extending all around the perithecium. Paraphyses absent. Perithecial wall dark 

throughout. Asci unitunicate, clavate. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ovoid, thinwalled, 

8 per ascus, Ascospores(15) 17-21 (23) x (7.5) 8-10(11) µ. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. Rhizohyphae dark. - Note: on more or less calciferous ground in alpine 

grasslands, probably more widespread in the Alps. 

36 Pycnidia laminal, or absent 

Catapyrenium squamulosum 

Thallus squamulose, brown, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules (2)3-6 mm wide, rounded, 

flattened, smooth, adpressed to the substratum. Edge concolorous with thallus. 

Undersurface pale, but often blackening esp. in the centre. Upper cortex 

paraplectenchymatous. Perithecia frequent, laminal, pyriform, half immersed, not 

flattened. Paraphyses absent. Perithecial wall pale throughout. Asci unitunicate, 

cylindrical. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 12-16 x 

(5)5.5-7.5(8) µ. Conidia ellipsoidal. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Pycnidia laminal, or 

absent Cells of lower cortex not arranged in vertical rows, Conidia 3-5 µ long, 

Squamules without hairs. Rhizohyphae pale. - Note: on more or less calcareous soil, 

often amongst bryophytes, in open dry grasslands, this is probably the most common 

species of the genus in Italy. 

36 Pycnidia marginal, prominent 37 

37 Cells of lower cortex arranged in vertical rows 38 

37 Cells of lower cortex not arranged in vertical rows 39 

38 Squamules >6 mm, margin of squamules thin. Thallus reddish brown. Mainly 

Mediterranean. 

Catapyrenium adami-borosi 

Thallus squamulose, reddish brown, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules rounded, flattened, 

smooth, adpressed to the substratum. Edge concolorous with thallus. Undersurface 

black. Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. Perithecia frequent, laminal, half 

immersed, not flattened. Paraphyses absent. Perithecial wall pale throughout. Asci 

unitunicate, cylindrical. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, thin-walled, 8 per 

ascus, 14-17 x 6-7.5 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Pycnidia marginal, prominent Cells 

of lower cortex arranged in vertical rows, Conidia 5-7 µ long, Squamules >6 mm, 

margin of squamules thin. Rhizohyphae pale. - Note: on soils derived from 

metamorphic base-rich rocks in dry grasslands. 

38 Squamules

marginal, prominent Cells of lower cortex arranged in vertical rows, Conidia 5-7 µ 

long, Squamules 10 mm wide 

Catapyrenium rufescens 

Thallus squamulose, reddish brown, thick, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules >10 mm wide, 

rounded, flattened, smooth, adpressed to the substratum. Edge up-turned, undulate. 

Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. Perithecia frequent, laminal, pyriform, half 



ascus, 15-20(22) x (7) 7.5-9(10) µ. Conidia ellipsoidal. Photobiont chlorococcoid. 

Pycnidia marginal, prominent Cells of lower cortex not arranged in vertical rows, 

Conidia 3-5 µ long, Squamules without hairs. Rhizohyphae pale. - Note: on vertical 

seepages of calcareous rocks, almost always with colonies of cyanobacteria, more 

rarely on plant debris, calcareous soil, terricolous or epilithic bryophytes. 

39 Squamules (2)3-6 mm wide 40 

40 Squamules without hairs. Conidia bacilliform. 

Catapyrenium imbecillum 

Thallus squamulose, brownish, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules (2)3-6 mm wide, rounded, 

flattened, smooth, adpressed to the substratum. Edge up-turned, undulate. 

Undersurface black, brown at the periphery. Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. 

Perithecia frequent, laminal, pyriform, half immersed, not flattened. Paraphyses 

absent. Perithecial wall pale throughout. Asci unitunicate, cylindrical. Ascospores 1celled, 

hyaline, ellipsoid, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, (12)14-18 x 6-8 µ. Conidia 

bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Pycnidia marginal, prominent Cells of lower 

cortex not arranged in vertical rows, Conidia 3-5 µ long, Rhizohyphae pale. - Note: 

known from the Austrian Alps, and from several isolated stations in southern Europe, 

to be looked for in the Alps. 

40 Squamules with very thin hairs, at least at the periphery. Conidia ellipsoidal. 

Catapyrenium pilosellum 

Thallus squamulose, brownish, thin, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules (2)3-6 mm wide, 

rounded, flattened, smooth, adpressed to the substratum. Edge up-turned, undulate. 

Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. Perithecia frequent, laminal, pyriform, half 



ascus, (10)12-17(19) x (5) 5.5-7(7.5) µ. Conidia ellipsoidal. Photobiont chlorococcoid. 

Pycnidia marginal, prominent Cells of lower cortex not arranged in vertical rows, 

Conidia 3-5 µ long. Rhizohyphae pale. - Note: on calciferous soil rich in humus, often 

growing amongst bryophytes, several Italian records require reconfirmation. 



42 Ascomata dark. Squamules < 2 mm diam. 

Phaeorrhiza nimbosa 

Thallus squamulose, from brownish to pale ochraceous yellowish, sometimes fainly 

pruinose, thick, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules rounded, flattened, smooth, contiguous, 

adpressed to the substratum, non imbricate. Undersurface dark, with a dense mat of 

rhizohyphae. Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, 

sessile, 1.2 mm diam. Surface black, sometimes faintly pruinose. Margin thin. 

Paraphyses distinctly thickened above. Asci clavate. Ascospores 2-celled, not hyaline, 

ellipsoid, thick-walled, 8 per ascus, 18-22 x 8-10 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia 

bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Rhizohyphae dark. - Note: on naked earth, 

dead mosses and plant debris on more or less calciferous ground, often in windexposed 

situations, an arctic-alpine species, common in the Alps. 

42 Ascomata neither bright nor dark-coloured. Squamules >2 mm diam. 43 

43 Medulla P-. Specimens with a P- medulla belong to v. pseudocrassa (Mattick) 

D.Hawksw. 

Squamarina cartilaginea 

25

Thallus squamulose, yellowish green to greenish grey, often white-pruinose, esp. at 

the margin of squamules, thick, K-, C-, P-. Squamules flattened, contiguous, 

imbricate, with rounded ends. Edge entire. Undersurface brown. Upper cortex 

paraplectenchymatous. Medulla P-. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, strongly 

constricted, up to 4 mm diam. Surface brownish to reddish brown, smooth. Margin 

distinct. Paraphyses slightly thickened above. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, oblongobtuse, 

thin-walled, 8 per ascus, (10)12-14(15) x (4)4.5-6 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. 

Conidia filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Specimens with a P- medulla belong to v. 

pseudocrassa (Mattick) D.Hawksw. - Note: on calcareous rocks and thin soil layers, 

most common in dry grasslands, with optimum in the submediterranean belt, 

chemically variable. 

43 Medulla P+ yellow. Specimens with a P+ yellow medulla belong to the typical variety 

Squamarina cartilaginea 

Thallus squamulose, yellowish green to greenish grey, often white-pruinose, esp. at 

the margin of squamules, thick, K-, C-, P-. Squamules flattened, contiguous, 

imbricate, with rounded ends. Edge entire. Undersurface brown. Upper cortex 

paraplectenchymatous. Medulla P+ yellow. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, 

strongly constricted, up to 4 mm diam. Surface brownish to reddish brown, smooth. 

Margin distinct. Paraphyses slightly thickened above. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, 

oblong-obtuse, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, (10)12-14(15) x (4)4.5-6 µ. Pycnidia dark, 

immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on calcareous rocks 

and thin soil layers, most common in dry grasslands, with optimum in the 

submediterranean belt, chemically variable. 



45 Hypothecium dark 

Toninia aromatica 

Thallus squamulose, pale grey to greenish brown, often white-spotted, rarely faintly 

pruinose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Areolae 1-2(3) mm wide, rounded, convex. Medulla K-, C-, 

KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, strongly constricted, 

1.5 mm diam. Surface black, rarely faintly pruinose, plane, smooth. Margin distinct, 

smooth, black, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium dark green, K-, C-, P-, N+ violet, 

KC-. Subhymenium dark brown. Paraphyses anastomosing, distinctly thickened 

above, free. Asci clavate. Ascospores 2-4-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid-cylindrical, 8 per 

ascus, 11-22.5 x 4-5.5 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: often found on walls in small settlements, but common in 

natural habitats as well, in the Mediterranean belt common only in Tyrrhenian Italy, 

rarer elsewhere, sometimes reaching beyond treeline. 


46 Epihymenium N+ red. Squamules

dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on soil, more 

rarely on more or less weathered base-rich or weakly calciferous siliceous rocks in 

dry-warm areas, often associated to cyanobacteria or cyanobacterial lichen when 

young. 



48 Thallus yellowish green 

Psora rubiformis 

Thallus squamulose, yellowish green to pale brownish green with paler, sometimes 

pruinose margins. Squamules (2)3-6 mm wide, elongate, contiguous, ascending, 

imbricate. Edge crenulate, paler than thallus. Medulla K-, P-. Apothecia without a 

thalline margin, sessile, up to 2 mm diam. Surface dark brown to black, convex. 

Margin indistinct, thin. Epihymenium brownish, K+ red. Subhymenium brown. 

Paraphyses anastomosing, adglutinated. Asci clavate. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, 

thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 9-14 x 5-7 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia bacilliform. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on loess and calciferous soil, in fissures of 

calciferous siliceous rocks (e.g. calciferous schists), chemically heterogeneous (with 

and without gyrophoric acid). 

52 

48 Thallus not yellowish green 49 

49 Epihymenium K+ red 50 

49 Epihymenium K- 

50 Squamules pale, without a conspicuous white margin. Lower cortex present. 

Psora globifera 

Thallus squamulose, castaneous brown, rarely faintly white-pruinose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Squamules (2)3-6 mm wide, crenate, flattened, finely divided by small fissures, 

contiguous, ascending, imbricate. Edge up-turned, concolorous with thallus. 

Undersurface grayish. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, up to 5 

mm diam. Surface black, convex. Margin indistinct, thin. Epihymenium reddish 

brown, K+ red. Subhymenium pale brown. Paraphyses anastomosing, adglutinated. 

Asci clavate. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 10-13 x 5-7 µ. 

Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on 

slightly calciferous or base-rich soil and weathered siliceous rocks, most frequent in 

the Alps. 

50 Squamules concave, with a conspicuous white margin. Lower cortex absent. 

Psora vallesiaca 

Thallus squamulose, brown,with white margins. Squamules (2)3-6 mm wide, concave, 

contiguous, non imbricate. Edge crenulate, paler than thallus. Undersurface pale 

brown. Medulla K+ yellow changing to red, P+ yellow. Lower cortex absent. 

Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, up to 1.5 mm diam. Surface 

51 

black, convex. Margin indistinct, thin. Epihymenium brownish, K+ red. 

Subhymenium pale brown. Paraphyses anastomosing, adglutinated. Asci clavate. 

Ascospores hyaline, fusiform, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 9-13 x 5-7 µ. Pycnidia dark, 

immersed. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on bare soil and in 

fissures of the rock, not rare where suitable habitats are present (subcontinental 

conditions and base-rich, slightly calciferous siliceous substrata). 

51 Squamules pale brown, plane, densely imbricated, 1-2(3) mm wide. Apothecial margin 

indistinct 

Lecidea lurida 

Thallus squamulose, pale brown, becoming greenish when wet, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Squamules 1-2(3) mm wide, flattened, smooth, imbricate. Edge undulate, concolorous 

with thallus. Undersurface very pale brown. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline 

margin, sessile, up to 5 mm diam. Surface dark brown to black, convex. Margin 

indistinct, thin. Epihymenium brownish, K-. Subhymenium pale brown. Paraphyses 

anastomosing, adglutinated. Asci clavate. Ascospores hyaline, narrowly ellipsoid, 

thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 11-14 x 6-8 µ. Pycnidia dark, sessile. Conidia narrow 

ellipsoid. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: a calcicolous, ecologically and 

altitudinally wide-ranging species, whose development often starts in fissures of the 

rock. 

27

51 Squamules chectnut to dark brown, convex, non imbricated, (2)3-6 mm wide. 

Apothecial margin distinct 

Toninia tristis ssp. pseudotabacina 





smooth, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium bright green, K-, C-, P-, N+ violet, KC- 

. Subhymenium brownish. Paraphyses anastomosing, distinctly thickened above, free. 

Asci clavate. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 10-15.5 x 4.5-6.5 µ. Pycnidia 

dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on soil, 

sometimes it reaches the oromediterranean belt. 

52 Epihymenium K- 

Toninia tristis ssp. tristis 





smooth, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium brown, K-, C-, P-, N+ violet, KC-. 


Asci clavate. Ascospores hyaline, narrowly ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 13.5-20.5 x 3.5-5 µ. 

Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Hypothecium 

without orange and yellow pigments. - Note: in fine crevices of calciferous rocks. 

52 Epihymenium K+ violet 53 



54 Thallus densely white pruinose. 

Toninia rosulata 

Thallus squamulose, pale grey, densely white-pruinose, thick, orbicular, lobulate, K-, 

C-, KC-, P-. Pruina diffuse. Squamules convex, contiguous, with rounded ends. 

Undersurface pale. Medulla K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline 

margin, sessile, strongly constricted. Surface black, faintly pruinose, plane, smooth. 

Margin indistinct, thin, smooth, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium grey, K+ violet, 

C-, P-, N+ violet, KC-. Subhymenium colourless. Paraphyses anastomosing, distinctly 

thickened above, free. Asci clavate. Ascospores hyaline, fusiform, 8 per ascus, 14.21.5 

x 3.5-5 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - 

Note: on soil and in fissures and crevices of calciferous rocks, often on cyanobacteria 

or cyanobacterial lichens when young. 

54 Thallus non-pruinose. 

Toninia taurica 

Thallus squamulose, olivaceous brown, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Squamules 1-2(3) mm wide, 

bullate, convex, finely divided by small fissures, contiguous. Edge concolorous with 

thallus. Undersurface pale. Medulla K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a 

thalline margin, sessile, strongly constricted. Surface black, but densely pruinose, 

plane, smooth. Margin distinct, smooth, black, faintly or non pruinose, concolorous 

with disk. Epihymenium grey, K+ violet, C-, P-, N+ violet, KC-. Subhymenium 

brownish. Paraphyses anastomosing, distinctly thickened above, free. Asci clavate. 

Ascospores hyaline, fusiform, 8 per ascus, 16.5-24.5 x 3-4.5 µ. Pycnidia dark, 

immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on calciferous soil and 

in fine crevices of the rocks, often associated with cyanobacterial lichens when young, 

rare in the eu-Mediterranean belt. 

55 Thallus entirely pruinose 

Toninia diffracta 

Thallus squamulose, grey, densely white-pruinose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Pruina diffuse. 

Squamules convex, contiguous. Undersurface pale. Medulla K-, C-, KC-, P-. 


black, more or less white pruinose, plane, smooth. Margin distinct, smooth, 

concolorous with disk. Epihymenium grey, K+ violet, C-, P-, N+ violet, KC-. 

28


Asci clavate. Ascospores hyaline, fusiform, 8 per ascus, 14.5-26 x 3-4.5 µ. Pycnidia 

dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: in small fissures 

on steeply inclined faces of calcareous rocks, often on cyanobacteria or cyanobacterial 

lichens when young, sometimes on soil, optimum at low altitudes, but reaching the 

Alpine belt. 

55 Thallus non prunose, or only partly pruinose 56 

56 Squamules more or less flat, with a white-pruinose rim 

Toninia albilabra 

Thallus squamulose, reddish brown, often with greenish tinge, white pruinose at 

margin, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Pruina at the periphery. Squamules 1-2(3) mm wide, 

flattened, contiguous. Edge paler than thallus. Undersurface pale. Medulla K-, C-, 

KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, strongly constricted. 

Surface black, most often white-pruinose, plane, smooth. Margin distinct, smooth, 

concolorous with disk. Epihymenium grey, K+ violet, C-, P-, N+ violet, KC-. 


Asci clavate. Ascospores 2-celled, hyaline, fusiform, 8 per ascus, 13.5-22.5 x 3-4 µ. 

Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Upper cortex 

thick, with deep cracks. - Note: on more or less calciferous ground and in fissures of 

rocks and walls, often on cyanobacteria or cyanobacterial lichens when young, 

common only in dry areas, incl. continental Alpine valleys. 

56 Squamules bullate,or if flat without white rim 57 

57 Squamules (2)3-6 mm wide, vertically flattened and imbricate. Thallus olivaceous 

brown to reddish brown, whitish pruinose at the tips 

Toninia opuntioides 

Thallus squamulose, olivaceous brown to reddish brown, whitish pruinose at the tips, 

K-, C-, KC-, P-. Pruina at the periphery. Squamules (2)3-6 mm wide, bullate, convex, 

contiguous, ascending, flattened. Edge entire, concolorous with thallus. Undersurface 

pale. Medulla K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, 

strongly constricted. Surface black, sometimes weakly prunose, plane, smooth. 

Margin distinct, smooth, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium grey, K+ violet, C-, P-, 

N+ violet, KC-. Subhymenium brownish. Paraphyses anastomosing, distinctly 

thickened above, free. Asci clavate. Ascospores hyaline, fusiform, 8 per ascus, 16-24 

x 3.5-4 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. 

Upper cortex thin, sometimes with shallow cracks Squamules vertically flattened and 

imbricate, Squamules convex to bullate. - Note: on rock and soil, often amongst 

bryophytes, and always associated to cyanobacterial lichens when young. 

57 Squamules 1-2(3) mm wide, not vertically flattened. Thallus olivaceous green to 

brown, often white-pruinose 

Toninia sedifolia 

Thallus squamulose, olivaceous green to brown, often white-pruinose, K-, C-, KC-, P- 

. Pruina at the periphery. Squamules 1-2(3) mm wide, convex, contiguous, with 

rounded ends. Undersurface pale. Medulla K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, 

without a thalline margin, sessile, strongly constricted. Surface black, often pruinose, 

plane, smooth. Margin distinct, smooth, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium grey, 

K+ violet, C-, P-, N+ violet, KC-. Subhymenium brownish. Paraphyses anastomosing, 


ascus, 12-24 x 3-5 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. Upper cortex thin, sometimes with shallow cracks Squamules not 

vertically flattened, Squamules convex to bullate. - Note: on soil and wheathered 

calciferous, more rarely basic siliceous rocks, often overgrowing mosses and asociated 

with cyanobacteria or cyanobacterial lichens when young, most common in dry, open 

grasslands. 

29

Subkey D - Crustose lichens 



2 Photobiont trentepohlioid. With perithecia 

2 

Porina mammillosa 

Thallus crustose, green-grey to dark grey, often tinged brown-purple, thick, 

continuous, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Perithecia frequent, immersed in thalline warts, globose, 

half immersed, not flattened, with apical involucrellum, up to 0.5 mm diam. Surface 

black. Paraphyses simple, not apically thickened, free. Asci cylindrical. Ascospores 

hyaline, fusiform, 8 per ascus, 25-40 x 4-6 µ. Pycnidia dark, sessile. Conidia 

cylindrical. Photobiont trentepohlioid. - Note: on bryophytes and plant debris. 

Photobiont cyanobacterial. With apothecia 3 

3 Ascospores more than 4-celled, 4 per ascus. Ascomata sessile 

Collema limosum 

Thallus crustose, homeomerous, black, thin, continuous. Lobes flattened, contiguous, 

adpressed to the substratum. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, up to 3 mm diam. 

Surface brown to black. Margin distinct, thick, verruculose. Ascospores many-celled, 

hyaline, ellipsoid, submuriform, 4 per ascus, 26-34 x 10-15 µ. Photobiont 

cyanobacterial. Excipulum euthyplectenchymatous. - Note: a short-lived species of 

mineral, clay soil in disturbed habitats, certainly overlooked, but never common in 

Italy. 

3 Ascospores 1-celled, 8 per ascus. Ascomata semi-immersed 

Moelleropsis nebulosa 

Thallus crustose, pale blue-grey to dark blue-black, granulose. Apothecia frequent, 

lecanorine, semi-immersed, not constricted, up to 1 mm diam. Surface brown. Margin 

distinct, granulose. Subhymenium brownish. Paraphyses simple, adglutinated. 

Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, (11)13-15(20) x 6-8 µ. Photobiont 

cyanobacterial. Ascospores sometimes attenuated at one end, with a single oil droplet. 

- Note: an early colonizer of clay-sandy soil, esp. earth banks along unpaved roads, in 

humid areas with siliceous substrata, most frequent in Tyrrhenian Italy, from the 

lowlands (in very humid areas) to the mountains. 

4 Thallus from bright yellow to red 5 



Caloplaca epiphyta 

Thallus crustose, pale orange yellow, continuous, K+ red. Soredia diffuse, pale orange 

yellow, K+ red. Upper cortex paraplectenchymatous. Apothecia rare, substipitate. 

Surface K+ red. Margin distinct, thick, sorediate, K+ red. Epihymenium K+ red. 

Ascospores hyaline, polar-diblastic, 4 per ascus. Pycnidia orange-yellow, immersed. 

Conidia narrow ellipsoid, 1-celled. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Thallus initially 

subsquamulose, but often transformed into a more or less uniform sorediate crust with 

age Septum > 3 µ long. - Note: on mosses, soil and plant debris over calcareous 

substrata in rather sheltered, but light-rich situations, very much overlooked in the 

Alps, it probably occurs also in Abruzzi (Majella and Gran Sasso Massives), and 

should be looked for there. 


6 Thallus margin effigurate 7 

6 Thallus margin non effigurate 10 



8 Without schizidia. Ascomata frequent 

30

31 

Fulgensia fulgens 

8 

Thallus crustose, orange-yellow, effigurate, orbicular, K+ red, C-, P-. Lobes 1-2(3) 

mm wide, flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum. Apothecia frequent, 

lecanorine, sessile. Surface orange, plane, smooth, K+ red. Margin distinct, thin, 

orange-yellow, K+ red. Epihymenium K+ red. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ovoid, 

thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 9-12 x 3.5-5 µ. Pycnidia orange-yellow, immersed. Conidia 

bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Ascospores from ellipsoid to slightly pyriform 

Thallus placodioid-monophyllous. - Note: on calcareous rocks and thin layers of soil, 

often in rock fissures. 

With schizidia. Ascomata rare 

Fulgensia subbracteata 

Thallus crustose, orange-yellow, effigurate, orbicular, K+ red, C-, P-. Lobes 0.5-1 mm 

wide, flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum. Apothecia rare, lecanorine, 

sessile. Surface orange, plane, smooth, K+ red. Margin distinct, thin, orange-yellow, 

K+ red. Epihymenium K+ red. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ovoid, thin-walled, 8 per 

ascus, 9-12 x 3.5-5 µ. Pycnidia orange-yellow, immersed. Conidia bacilliform. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. Ascospores from ellipsoid to slightly pyriform. - Note: on 

more or less calciferous ground, in clearings of grasslands and shrublands, a critical 

taxon, characterized by the occurrence of schizidia, which, howhever, are also present 

in other, related species, a revision is badly needed. 

9 Ascospores polar-diblastic, narrowly ellipsoid. 

Caloplaca aurea 

Thallus crustose, ochraceous yellow, thick, effigurate, areolate, K+ red, C-, P-. Lobes 

1-2(3) mm wide, rounded, flattened, smooth, contiguous. Apothecia frequent, 

lecanorine, sessile, slightly constricted, up to 1.5 mm diam. Surface orange, smooth, 

K+ red, C-, P-. Margin distinct, thin, yellow, paler than disk. Epihymenium orange, 

K+ red. Subhymenium colourless. Paraphyses not anastomosing, simple. Asci clavate. 

Ascospores 2-celled, hyaline, narrowly ellipsoid, polar-diblastic, 8 per ascus, 12-20 x 

4-6 µ. Pycnidia orange-yellow, immersed. Conidia ellipsoidal, 1-celled. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. Septum shorter than 3 µ. - Note: in fissures and cracks of calcareous 

rocks and dolomite, the record from Abruzzi is the southernmost in Europe. 

9 Ascospores non polar-diblastic, fusiform. 

Fulgensia pruinosa 

Thallus crustose, orange-yellow, effigurate, K+ red, C-, P-. Pruina at central part. 

Lobes 1-2(3) mm wide, flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum. Apothecia 

frequent, lecanorine, sessile. Surface orange ro brownish orange, plane, smooth, K+ 

red. Margin distinct, thin, orange-yellow, K+ red. Epihymenium K+ red. Ascospores 

2-celled, hyaline, fusiform, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 18-27 x 5-8 µ. Pycnidia orangeyellow, 

immersed. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on steeply 

inclined to underhanging faces of calcareous rocks, mostly in fissures, sometimes on 

epilithic bryophytes, var. fissiseda: on the top of birds' perching boulders. 



11 Apothecia dark, not perithecioid. Ascospores more than 4-celled 

Arthrorhaphis alpina 

Thallus crustose, bright yellow-green, with a rough surface, thick, areolate, farinose, 

K-, C-, KC-, P-. Areolae 1-2(3) mm wide, bullate, convex, contiguous. Apothecia 

rare, without a thalline margin, sessile. Surface black, plane, smooth. Margin 

indistinct, thin, smooth, black, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium dark grey green, 

K-. Hymenium inspersed. Subhymenium dark grey green. Paraphyses anastomosing, 

ramified, not apically thickened, free. Margin (section) dark grey-green. Asci 

bitunicate, clavate. Ascospores 8-12-celled, hyaline, acicular, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 

(20)25-45(60) x 3-4.5 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. epinecral layer present. - Note: on 

weakly calcareous soil rich in humus, first parasymbiontic on Baeomyces, later an 

autonomous lichen. 

11 Apothecia bright yellow, perithecioid. Ascospores 1-celled 

Thelocarpon laureri

12 

Thallus crustose, bright yellow-pruinose, thin, verrucose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia 

frequent, without a thalline margin, immersed in thalline warts, semi-immersed, up to 

0.3 mm diam. Surface concave, not exposed. Paraphyses ramified, not apically 

thickened. Asci globose. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, broadly ellipsoid, thin-walled, 

more than 32 per ascus, 1.5-4(6) x 1.5-2 µ. Pycnidia immersed. Conidia oblongobtuse. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. Periphyses present Lichenized. - Note: an 

ephemeral early colonizer of different substrata, incl. roofing tiles, rotten wood, soil, 

probably more widespread, but very much overlooked. 

On slightly calciferous, siliceous substrata 13 

12 On calcareous substrata 14 

13 Thallus of closely packed, granular elements. Ascomata rare 

Candelariella kuusamoensis 

Thallus crustose, orange-yellow, thick, granulose, K-. Apothecia rare, lecanorine, 

sessile, up to 1.5 mm diam. Surface orange-yellow, plane, K-. Margin distinct, thin, 

orange-yellow, concolorous with disk, K-. Epihymenium yellow, K-. Hymenium J+ 

violet. Subhymenium colourless. Margin (section) yellow. Ascospores 1(2)-celled, 

hyaline, oblong-obtuse, 12-16 per ascus, 9-14 x 4-5 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. 

Thallus of closely packed, granular elements Thallus elements not elongated, not 

clearly coralloid. - Note: on the top of poles and wooden fences, on plant debris and 

soil, more rarely on rocks, certainly more widespread in the Alps. 

13 Thallus from granulose to small-lobulate, with flat lobules, never forming convex 

pillows of densely packed coralloid elements. Ascomata frequent 

Candelariella vitellina 

Thallus crustose, orange-yellow, K-. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, up to 1.5 

mm diam. Surface orange-yellow, plane, K-. Margin distinct, thin, orange-yellow, 

concolorous with disk, K-. Epihymenium yellow, K-. Hymenium J+ violet. 

Subhymenium colourless. Margin (section) yellow. Ascospores 1(2)-celled, hyaline, 

oblong-obtuse, 12-16 per ascus, 9-14 x 4-5 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Thallus from 

granulose to small-lobulate, with flat lobules, never forming convex pillows of 

densely packed coralloid elements. - Note: a lichen with a wide ecological range, 

found on a wide variety of siliceous rocks, on roofing tiles, brick, and sometimes on 

bryophytes, lignum and acid bark. 

14 Thallus K- or K+ orange 

Candelariella unilocularis 

Thallus crustose, yellow, thin, K-. Apothecia lecanorine, sessile, up to 1.5 mm diam. 

Surface yellow, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Margin distinct, thin, yellow, concolorous with disk, 

K-. Epihymenium yellow, K-. Hymenium J+ violet. Subhymenium colourless. Margin 

(section) yellow. Ascospores 1(2)-celled, hyaline, oblong-obtuse, 8 per ascus, 16-26 x 

7-8 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on epilithic mosses on limestone and 

dolomite, a characteristic element of calcareous mountains, well-distinct from C. 

aurella. 

14 Thallus K+ red 15 


Fulgensia schistidii 

Thallus crustose, orange-yellow, K+ red, C-, P-. Areolae 0.5-1 mm wide. 

Hypo/prothallus present. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile. Surface orange ro 

brownish orange, plane, smooth, K+ red. Margin distinct, thin, orange-yellow, K+ red. 

Epihymenium K+ red. Ascospores 2-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, constricted at septa, 

thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 15-23 x 5-8 µ. Pycnidia orange-yellow, immersed. Conidia 

bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. On epilithic mosses, esp. Schistidium. - Note: 

on pulvinate epilithic mosses (esp. Grimmia anomodon and Schistidium apocarpum) 

over more or less calcareous substrata. 


16 Squamules convex. Thallus thick, little dissected at margin, more or less pruinose 

Fulgensia bracteata 

Thallus crustose, orange-yellow, K+ red, C-, P-. Areolae rounded, convex, contiguous, 

adpressed to the substratum. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile. Surface orange, 

32

16 

plane, smooth, K+ red. Margin distinct, thin, orange-yellow, K+ red. Epihymenium 

K+ red. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 9-13 x 4-7 µ. 

Pycnidia orange-yellow, immersed. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. 

Ascospores not restricted in the center Thallus thick, little dissected at margin, more 

or less pruinose. - Note: on more or less calcareous soil and terricolous mosses in open 

situations, sometimes in fissures of calcareous rocks, the record of Grillo (1998) from 

the coast of Sicily, is certainly due to a misidentification. 

Squamules plane. Thallus thin, areolae dissected at margin, not or faintly pruinose 

Fulgensia bracteata v.alpina 

Thallus crustose, orange-yellow, K+ red, C-, P-. Areolae rounded, flattened, 

contiguous, adpressed to the substratum. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile. 

Surface orange, plane, smooth, K+ red. Margin distinct, thin, orange-yellow, K+ red. 

Epihymenium K+ red. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, thin-walled, 8 per 

ascus, 9-13 x 4-7 µ. Pycnidia orange-yellow, immersed. Conidia bacilliform. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. Ascospores not restricted in the center Thallus thin, areolae 

dissected at margin, not or faintly pruinose. - Note: on soil and over mosses in fissures 

of calciferous, mostly schistose rocks, a poorly known taxon, well worthy of further 

study, certainly more widespread in the Alps. 

17 Photobiont cyanobacterial 

Moelleropsis nebulosa 

Thallus crustose, pale blue-grey to dark blue-black, granulose. Apothecia frequent, 

lecanorine, semi-immersed, not constricted, up to 1 mm diam. Surface brown. Margin 

distinct, granulose. Subhymenium brownish. Paraphyses simple, adglutinated. 

Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, (11)13-15(20) x 6-8 µ. Photobiont 

cyanobacterial. Ascospores sometimes attenuated at one end, with a single oil droplet. 

- Note: an early colonizer of clay-sandy soil, esp. earth banks along unpaved roads, in 

humid areas with siliceous substrata, most frequent in Tyrrhenian Italy, from the 

lowlands (in very humid areas) to the mountains. 


18 Photobiont trentepohlioid 19 




20 Ascospores fusiform, 8 per ascus. Conidia cylindrical 

Porina mammillosa 

Thallus crustose, green-grey to dark grey, often tinged brown-purple, thick, 

continuous, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Perithecia frequent, immersed in thalline warts, globose, 

half immersed, not flattened, with apical involucrellum, up to 0.5 mm diam. Surface 

black. Paraphyses simple, not apically thickened, free. Asci cylindrical. Ascospores 

hyaline, fusiform, 8 per ascus, 25-40 x 4-6 µ. Pycnidia dark, sessile. Conidia 

cylindrical. Photobiont trentepohlioid. - Note: on bryophytes and plant debris. 

20 Ascospores oblong-obtuse, more than 32 per ascus. Conidia filiform 

Thelopsis melathelia 

Thallus crustose, reddish-brown, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Perithecia frequent. Surface black. 

Asci cylindrical. Ascospores 4-celled, hyaline, oblong-obtuse, more than 32 per ascus, 

11-20 x 4-7 µ. Conidia filiform. Photobiont trentepohlioid. - Note: on muribund 

bryophytes, humic soil and plant remains in areas with calcareous, or basic siliceous 

rocks. 

21 Ascomata sessile 

Gyalecta peziza 

21 

Thallus crustose, whitish, thin, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline 

margin, sessile, strongly constricted, up to 3 mm diam. Surface yellowish, concave, K- 

, C-, KC-, P-. Margin distinct, thick, whitish, paler than disk, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Ascospores 4-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 14-21 x 3-6 µ. Photobiont 

trentepohlioid. All septa of the spores parallel. - Note: on slightly calcareous soil rich 

in humus, and on terricolous bryophytes. 

Ascomata immersed 

33 

22

22 All septa of the ascospores parallel. Ascospores 10-16 x 4-6 µ. Ascomata up to up to 

2 mm diam. 

Gyalecta foveolaris 

Thallus crustose, whitish, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline 

margin, immersed, not constricted, up to 2 mm diam. Surface yellowish, concave, K-, 

C-, KC-, P-. Margin distinct, thick, whitish, paler than disk, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 


trentepohlioid. All septa of the spores parallel. - Note: on more or less calcareous soil, 

occasionally on rocks in humid and shaded situations, to be looked for throughout the 

calcareous Alps. 

22 Some septa of the ascospores not parallel with each other. Ascospores 12-20 x 5-7 µ. 

Ascomata up to up to 1 mm diam. 

Gyalecta geoica 

Thallus crustose, whitish, thin, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline 

margin, immersed, not constricted, up to 1 mm diam. Surface yellowish, concave, K-, 

C-, KC-, P-. Margin distinct, thick, whitish, paler than disk, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 


trentepohlioid. Some septa of the spores not parallel with each other. - Note: on soil, 

bryophytes and plant debris over more or less base-rich or calcareous substrata, often 

in rock fissures in sheltered situations. 

23 With soredia 24 


24 Apothecial disk pale. Apothecia non lecanorine, substipitate. Thallus KC+ yellow 

Baeomyces rufus 

Thallus crustose, grey-green to dull greenish, thick, areolate, K+ yellow, KC+ yellow, 

P+ orange. Areolae convex, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum. Soredia diffuse, 

greenish grey. Medulla UV -. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, 

subterminal, stipitate. Surface red brown, convex. Paraphyses simple. Asci cylindrical. 

Ascospores hyaline, fusiform, 8 per ascus. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: an early colonizer of acid soils with high clay content and of 

weathered siliceous rocks, often in disturbed sites, mostly sterile in upland areas. 

24 Apothecial disk brown. Apothecia lecanorine, sessile Thallus KC- 

Lecanora epibryon v. bryopsora 

Thallus crustose, whitish to pale grey, continuous, K+ yellow, C-, KC-, P-. Areolae 

rounded, convex, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum. Hypo/prothallus present, 

dark. Soredia granular, whitish to very pale yellowish white. Soralia prominent. 

Apothecia rare, lecanorine, sessile, strongly constricted, up to 1 mm diam. Surface 

brown, plane, C-, P-. Margin distinct, thick, crenulate, whitish to pale grey, K+ 

yellow, C-, KC-, P-. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 10-16 x 5-8 

µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: certainly occurring in the Alps, but difficult to 

recognize, being often sterile. 





27 Perithecia fully immersed. Thallus continuous. Ascospores clavate 

Thrombium epigaeum 

Thallus crustose, yellowish to greyish, indistinct, subgelatinous when wet, thin, 

continuous, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Perithecia frequent, globose, fully immersed, not 

flattened, up to 0.4 mm diam. Surface black. Paraphyses simple, not apically 

thickened, free. Perithecial wall dark throughout. Asci cylindrical. Ascospores 1celled, 

hyaline, clavate, 8 per ascus, (15)18-25(30) x 5-10(12) µ. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: an ephemeral early colonizer of more or less calciferous, 

clayey soil in rather disturbed habitats, such as on track sides, in dry pastures, etc. 

very easy to overlook, and probably undercollected in Italy. 

27 Perithecia protruding. Thallus verrucose. Ascospores narrowly ellipsoid 

34

35 

Verrucaria xyloxena 

28 

Thallus crustose, grey, thin, verrucose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Perithecia frequent, 

protruding, not flattened, up to 0.3 mm diam. Surface black. Perithecial wall dark 

throughout. Ascospores hyaline, narrowly ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 14-25 x 5-8 µ. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on more or less calcareous soil, often associated 

with acrocarpous mosses, easily overlooked, and perhaps more widespread in the 

Alps. 

Ascospores 2-celled 29 


29 Ascospores 32 per ascus, fusiform, with appendages at both ends. 

Epigloea grummannii 

Thallus crustose, inconspicuous, subgelatinous, more or less greenish, thin, 

continuous, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Perithecia frequent, globose, not flattened, up to 0.13 mm 

diam. Surface black. Paraphyses simple, not apically thickened. Ascospores 2, 

hyaline, fusiform, thin-walled, not ornamented, 32 per ascus, (13-16.5(18) x 1.5-2(2.5) 

µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. with appendages at both ends. - Note: on algal colonies 

developing on dying mats of Grimmia and Hypnum, certainly overlooked, and more 

widespread in the Alps. 

29 Ascospores 8 per ascus, ellipsoid, without appendages 

Epigloea soleiformis 


continuous, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Perithecia frequent, globose, up to 0.15 mm diam. 

Surface green-black with a thin gelatinous coat, and with a depression around the 

ostiole. Paraphyses simple, not apically thickened. Ascospores 2, hyaline, ellipsoid, 

constricted at septa, thin-walled, not ornamented, 8 per ascus, (8.5)9.5-12.5(14) x 3.5- 

4.5(5) µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. without appendages at the ends. - Note: on algal 

colonies developing on muribund bryophytes, squamules of Cladonia, decaying wood 

and humus, certainly overlooked, and more widespread in the Alps. 

30 Ascomata neither bright nor dark-coloured 

Leucocarpia biatorella 

Thallus crustose, greenish white to yellowish white, thin, granulose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Perithecia frequent, half immersed, up to 0.8 mm diam. Surface yellowish or 

yellowish-pinkish. Paraphyses absent. Asci clavate. Ascospores many-celled, 

ellipsoid, muriform, 8 per ascus, (25)28-38(45) x (10)11-14 µ. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: inconspicuous lichen of thin layers of calciferous, humus-rich 

ground, or over epilithic mosses in upland areas, probably overlooked, and more 

widespread. 

30 Ascomata dark 31 



32 Ascospores narrowly ellipsoid, (18)24-70(86) x (10)11-15(16) µ. Paraphyses present. 

Thallus inconspicuous, subgelatinous, more or less greenish 

Epigloea medioincrassata 


continuous, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Perithecia frequent, globose, flattened, up to 0.22 mm 

diam. Surface brown to rarely black, covered by a thin gelatinous layer, apex with a 

circular swelling. Paraphyses simple, not apically thickened. Ascospores 2, hyaline, 

narrowly ellipsoid, thin-walled, not ornamented, 8 per ascus, (18)24-70(86) x (10)11- 

15(16) µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. with appendages at both ends. - Note: on algal 

colonies on muribund bryophytes and, more rarely, on lignum, certainly overlooked, 

and more widespread in the Alps. 

32 Ascospores ellipsoid, 26-36 x 10-14 µ. Paraphyses absent. Thallus grey to pale 

brownish grey 

Thelidium zwackhii 

Thallus crustose, grey to pale brownish grey, thin, continuous, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Perithecia frequent, up to 0.3 mm diam. Surface black. Hymenium J+ red. Paraphyses

33 

absent. Perithecial wall light-coloured below. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per 

ascus, 26-36 x 10-14 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on calcareous and basic 

siliceous rocks and thin layers of soil, e.g. on walls, pebbles, etc. one of the few 

species of the genus which are most common at low altitudes in Italy, overlooked, and 

to be searched for more intensively throughout the country. 

Perithecial wall light-coloured below. 

Chromatochlamys muscorum 

Thallus crustose, whitish to pale brown, thin, continuous, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Perithecia 

frequent, semi-immersed, up to 0.6 mm diam. Surface brownish, convex. Perithecial 

wall light-coloured below. Ascospores muriform, 2 per ascus, 60-110 x 20-27 µ. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. Ascospores colourless when young, straw-coloured when 

old, 2-4 per ascus. - Note: on more or less muribund pleurocarpous mosses on rocks 

and soil, when epiphytic, on basal parts of old trunks. 

33 Perithecial wall dark throughout 34 

34 Ascospores not hyaline, 2 per ascus 

Polyblastia helvetica 

Thallus crustose, pale to rather dark grey, thin, continuous, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Perithecia 

frequent, semi-immersed, globose. Paraphyses absent. Margin (section) black in the 

upper part, brown below. Perithecial wall dark throughout. Asci verrucarial. 

Ascospores many-celled, not hyaline, ellipsoid-cylindrical, muriform, 2 per ascus, 70- 

160 x 30-60 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: both on calciferous soil and amongst bryophytes. 

34 Ascospores hyaline, 8 per ascus 35 

35 Ascospores 40 µ long. Perithecia protruding. Thallus granulose 

Polyblastia terrestris 

Thallus crustose, grey, thick, granulose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Perithecia frequent, globose, 

protruding, with an involucrellum extending to the upper half, up to 0.8 mm diam. 

Surface black. Paraphyses absent. Perithecial wall dark throughout. Asci verrucarial. 

Ascospores many-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid-cylindrical, muriform, 8 per ascus, 50-90 x 

18-40 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. 

Perithecia covered by a thalline layer. - Note: on more or less calcareous soil, both on 

bare ground and amongst bryophytes, a very polymorphic taxon, which needs 

revision. 






38 Ascomata neither bright nor dark-coloured 40 

39 Ascospores fusiform, 1-4-celled, 14-20(26) x 3-5(6) µ . Ascomatal disk convex 

Mycobilimbia lobulata 

Thallus crustose, whitish grey to grey, darker in the centre of the squamules, K-, C-, 

KC-, P-. Squamules

hyaline, fusiform, 8 per ascus, 14-20(26) x 3-5(6) µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - 

Note: on terricolous mosses and bare calciferous soil, from the Alps to the high 

Mediterranean mountains. 

39 Ascospores ellipsoid-cylindrical, 2-6-celled, 16-30 x 5-6 µ. Ascomatal disk plane 

Mycobilimbia microcarpa 

Thallus crustose, whitish to greenish white, granulose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia 

frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, up to 0.7 mm diam. Surface reddish brown 

to blackish brown, plane. Margin indistinct, thin, smooth, concolorous with disk. 

Epihymenium brownish, K-. Hymenium J+ violet. Subhymenium pale reddish brown 

to colourless. Paraphyses simple, slightly thickened above, adglutinated. Ascospores 

2-6-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid-cylindrical, 8 per ascus, 16-30 x 5-6 µ. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: on mosses in dry grasslands, perhaps overlooked throughout 

the country. 

40 Apothecia whitish. Ascospores fusiform, (1)4-celled, (12)13-22 x 4-7 µ. 

Biatora carneoalbida 

40 

Thallus crustose, grey, thin, granulose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a 

thalline margin, sessile, up to 1 mm diam. Surface white, convex, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Margin indistinct, thin. Epihymenium colourless, K-, C-, P-, N-, KC-. Subhymenium 

colourless. Margin (section) colourless. Ascospores (1)4-celled, hyaline, fusiform, 8 

per ascus, (12)13-22 x 4-7 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on mosses growing on 

bark of old deciduous trees, esp. near the base of the trunks, in old, humid forests. 

Apothecia reddish to blackish brown. Ascospores ellipsoid-cylindrical, 2-6-celled, 16- 

30 x 5-6 µ 

Mycobilimbia microcarpa 


frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, up to 0.7 mm diam. Surface reddish brown 

to blackish brown, plane. Margin indistinct, thin, smooth, concolorous with disk. 



2-6-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid-cylindrical, 8 per ascus, 16-30 x 5-6 µ. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: on mosses in dry grasslands, perhaps overlooked throughout 

the country. 



42 Ascomata neither bright nor dark-coloured 

Mycobilimbia sabuletorum 


frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, up to 1 mm diam. Surface pinkish brown 

to blackish brown, convex. Margin indistinct, thin, smooth, concolorous with disk. 



6-12-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid-cylindrical, 8 per ascus, 18-40 x (4)5-8 µ. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: on mosses overgrowing soil, calcareous rocks, tree bark, also 

found in urban environments (e.g. on walls). 


43 Ascospores more than 4 µ large 

Mycobilimbia sabuletorum 


frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, up to 1 mm diam. Surface pinkish brown 

to blackish brown, convex. Margin indistinct, thin, smooth, concolorous with disk. 



6-12-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid-cylindrical, 8 per ascus, 18-40 x (4)5-8 µ. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: on mosses overgrowing soil, calcareous rocks, tree bark, also 

found in urban environments (e.g. on walls). 

43 Ascospores less than 4 µ large 44 

37

44 Ascomata black. Epiphymenium greenish. Ascospores 25-45 x 2-2.5(3) µ 

Bacidia bagliettoana 

Thallus crustose, whitish, thin. Apothecia without a thalline margin, sessile, strongly 

constricted, up to 1 mm diam. Surface black, plane. Margin distinct, black. 

Epihymenium greenish, K-, C-, P-, N+ violet, KC-. Subhymenium reddish-brown. 

Paraphyses simple. Ascospores hyaline, acicular, 8 per ascus, 25-45 x 2-2.5(3) µ. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. Apothecial margin reddish brown in upper and outer parts, 

colourless below. - Note: on muribund bryophytes and plant debris in dry grasslands, 

or in fissures of calcareous rocks and dolomite. 

44 Ascomata brownish. Epiphymenium brownish. Ascospores 36-60 x 2-2.5 µ 

Bacidia herbarum 

Thallus crustose, whitish. Apothecia without a thalline margin, sessile. Surface 

brownish, plane. Margin distinct. Epihymenium brownish, K-. Ascospores 4-8-celled, 

hyaline, acicular, 8 per ascus, 36-60 x 2-2.5 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on 

plant remains and muribund bryophytes on calciferous ground, probably more 

widespread, also along the Apennines. 

45 Thallus margin effigurate 

Buellia elegans 

Thallus crustose, white, effigurate, orbicular, farinose, K+ yellow. Lobes elongate, 

flattened, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum. Apothecia frequent, without a 

thalline margin, sessile, up to 1 mm diam. Surface black, rarely faintly pruinose, 

plane. Margin distinct, thin. Epihymenium yellowish brown. Subhymenium brownish. 

Paraphyses distinctly thickened above, with dark cap. Ascospores 2-celled, not 

hyaline, ellipsoid, constricted at septa, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, (12)13-20(23) x 

(5.5)6-10(10.5) µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. Ascospores with rugulate ornamentation. - Note: on soil deriving from 

calciferous schists in open grasslands. 

45 Thallus margin non effigurate 46 

46 Thallus K+ yellow 47 


47 Thallus KC+ orange 

Lecidella wulfenii 

Thallus crustose, grey to yellowish, K+ yellow, C+ orange, KC+ orange. Apothecia 

frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, strongly constricted, up to 1.5 mm diam. 

Surface black. Margin distinct, black, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium greenish, 

K-, C-. Subhymenium brown, paler above. Paraphyses simple, slightly thickened 

above, free. Margin (section) dirty black outside, reddish within. Asci clavate. 

Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, thick-walled, 8 per ascus, 7-16 x 7-8 µ. 

Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia filiform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on 

muribund bryophytes and plant remains in exposed habitats, most common in the 

Alps, but also present in the high mountains of the south. 


48 Thallus KC+ yellow. Apothecia not dark. Spores hyaline 

Baeomyces rufus 

Thallus crustose, grey-green to dull greenish, thick, areolate, K+ yellow, KC+ yellow, 

P+ orange. Areolae convex, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum. Medulla UV -. 

Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, subterminal, stipitate. Surface red 

brown, convex. Paraphyses simple. Asci cylindrical. Ascospores hyaline, fusiform, 8 

per ascus. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: an early colonizer of 

acid soils with high clay content and of weathered siliceous rocks, often in disturbed 

sites, mostly sterile in upland areas. 

48 Thallus KC-. Apothecia dark. Spores not hyaline 49 

49 Thallus granulose. Ascospores 22-32 x 9-13 µ 

Buellia insignis 

Thallus crustose, whitish to pale grey, granulose, K+ yellow, C-, KC-. Apothecia 

frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile. Surface black, convex. Margin distinct, 

38

49 

smooth, black. Hymenium inspersed. Paraphyses distinctly thickened above. Asci 

clavate. Ascospores 2-celled, not hyaline, ellipsoid, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 22-32 x 

9-13 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on terricolous 

mosses and plant debris, rarely on rock, lignum and rather acid bark, esp. on basal 

parts of trunks. 

Thallus verrucose. Ascospores 18-24 x 8-10 µ 

Buellia papillata 

Thallus crustose, whitish to pale grey, thick, verrucose, K+ yellow, C-, KC-. Areolae 

convex, contiguous. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile. Surface 

black, convex. Margin distinct, smooth, black. Hymenium inspersed. Paraphyses 

distinctly thickened above. Asci clavate. Ascospores 2-celled, not hyaline, ellipsoid, 

thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 18-24 x 8-10 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: on terricolous bryophytes, related to B. insignis, but with 

smaller spores. 

50 Ascomata neither bright nor dark-coloured 51 


51 Ascospores cylindrical, 8-13 x 2.3-3 µ. Ascomata up to up to 1 mm diam. 

Biatorella fossarum 

Thallus crustose, pale grey, thin, granulose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, 

without a thalline margin, sessile, not constricted, up to 1 mm diam. Surface bright to 

dull orange-red, convex. Margin indistinct. Epihymenium pale to orange-yellow, K-, 

with a layer of crystals. Subhymenium pale grey-yellow. Paraphyses anastomosing, 

distinctly thickened above, adglutinated. Asci bitunicate, cylindrical. Ascospores 1celled, 

hyaline, cylindrical, more than 32 per ascus, 8-13 x 2.3-3 µ. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: on calciferous, often slightly decalcified soil in rather disturbed 

habitats, chiefly southern in Europe, closely related to B. hemisphaerica, most Italian 

records must be checked against the latter species. 

51 Ascospores narrowly ellipsoid, 5-8 x 2-3.5 µ. Ascomata up to up to 2 mm diam. 

Biatorella hemisphaerica 

Thallus crustose, pale grey, thin, granulose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia without a 

thalline margin, sessile, not constricted, up to 2 mm diam. Surface bright to dull 

orange-red, convex. Margin indistinct. Epihymenium pale to orange-yellow, K-, with 

a layer of crystals. Subhymenium pale grey-yellow. Paraphyses anastomosing, 

distinctly thickened above, adglutinated. Asci bitunicate, cylindrical. Ascospores 1celled, 

hyaline, narrowly ellipsoid, more than 32 per ascus, 5-8 x 2-3.5 µ. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: on calciferous soil and amongst bryophytes, most often in rock 

fissures, see note on B. fossarum. 



53 Ascospores not hyaline 

Buellia epigaea 

Thallus crustose, white, thick, areolate, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Areolae flattened, contiguous. 

Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile. Surface black, convex, smooth. 

Margin distinct, smooth, black. Epihymenium brownish. Hymenium inspersed. 

Subhymenium colourless to pale brown. Paraphyses distinctly thickened above. Asci 

clavate. Ascospores 2-celled, not hyaline, ellipsoid, thin-walled, ornamented, 8 per 

ascus, (14)15-21(26) x (6)7-10(11) µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. - Note: on base-rich mineral soil, on wheathered gypsum and gypsum 

soil. 


54 Ascospores

54 

immersed. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: an ephemeral 

terricolous species, with optimum on clay soil in rather disturbed habitats. 

Ascospores >4 µ broad, ellipsoid, 1(-4)-celled, 4.5-6(7) µ broad 

Mycobilimbia hypnorum 

Thallus crustose, whitish to pale grey, thin, granulose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia 

frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, up to 1.2 mm diam. Surface dark brown to 

black, plane. Margin distinct, thin, smooth, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium pale 

brown, K-. Hymenium J+ violet. Subhymenium dark reddish brown, with scattered 

bluish granules reacting K+ green. Paraphyses simple, slightly thickened above, 

adglutinated. Ascospores 1(-4)-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 10-16(19) x 4.5- 

6(7) µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Some spores 4-celled. - Note: on mosses, plant 

debris, soil, bark and lignum. 

55 Ascospores 16 per ascus 

Steinia geophana 

Thallus crustose, pale grey to dull grey-green, subgelatinous when wet, thick, 

continuous, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Medulla UV -. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline 

margin, sessile, up to 0.6 mm diam. Surface dark brown, convex. Margin indistinct. 

Epihymenium red brown to brown. Hymenium J+ violet. Paraphyses simple, not 

apically thickened, adglutinated. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, subglobose, thickwalled, 

16 per ascus, 5-7 x 5-7 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia ellipsoidal. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: ephemeral on moist, sometimes slightly calciferous 

soil, rotten wood, small pebbles, terricolous Peltigeras and plant debris, often found in 

rather disturbed habitats as on earth banks along white roads and on track sides, 

certainly overlooked and more common, at least in the Alps. 


56 Ascospores more than 32 per ascus 

Sarcosagium campestre 

Thallus crustose, greenish to blackish brown, gelatinous when wet, thin, continuous, 

granulose, with thin transparent hairs, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a 

thalline margin, sessile, slightly constricted, up to 0.5 mm diam. Surface dark reddish 

prown, translucent when wet, concave, smooth, K-, C-. Margin distinct, thick, 

concolorous with disk, pruinose. Paraphyses simple, distinctly thickened above, free. 

Asci cylindrical. Ascospores 1(2)-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid-cylindrical, thin-walled, 

more than 32 per ascus, 5-8 x 2-2.3 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: an early 

colonizer of more or less calcareous soil, muribund bryophytes, plant debris, 

sometimes on decaying wood, mostly in rather disturbed habitats. 

56 Ascospores 8 per ascus 57 



58 Ascospores >25 µ long 

Aphanopsis coenosa 

Thallus crustose, greyish green to brownish green, gelatinous when wet, composed of 

goniocysts of pseudoparenchymatous hyphae surrounding a few algal cells, thin, 

granulose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, up 

to 0.5 mm diam. Surface brown to brown-black, convex. Margin indistinct. 

Subhymenium pale brown. Paraphyses simple, not apically thickened. Asci 

cylindrical. Ascospores hyaline, broadly ellipsoid, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 25-38 x 

13-18 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on humid, bare, clayey or fine-grained 

sandy soil on track sides or ditch margins in woodlands, easy to overlook, but 

certainly not common. 

58 Ascospores

59 

anastomosing, ramified. Margin (section) reddish-brown. Ascospores 1-celled, 

hyaline, subglobose, thick-walled, 8 per ascus, (15)17-20(24) x (8)12-15 µ. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on twigs of shrubs, on terricolous mosses and plant 

debris, certainly widespread throughout the Alps. 

Epihymenium N+ red. Ascospores thin-walled, ellipsoid, 6.5-10.5 x 2.5-4 µ 

Micarea bauschiana 

Thallus crustose, grey, thin, continuous, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without 

a thalline margin, sessile, not constricted, up to 0.3 mm diam. Surface pale bluish grey 

to brownish black, convex, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Margin indistinct. Epihymenium 

colourless, K-, C-, P-, N+ red, KC-. Hymenium K-, C-, KC-, P-. Subhymenium 

colourless. Paraphyses anastomosing, ramified, slightly thickened above, adglutinated. 

Asci unitunicate, clavate. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, thin-walled, 8 per 

ascus, 6.5-10.5 x 2.5-4 µ. Pycnidia immersed. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Apothecia 

often tuberculate. - Note: on a wide variety of substrata (rocks, exposed roots, 

consolidated soil) in shaded-dry situations (e.g. in underhangs), but restricted to humid 

areas, probably overlooked and more widespread in Italy, esp. in the Alps. 

60 Epihymenium K+ green 

Helocarpon crassipes 

Thallus crustose, whitish to pale grey brown to ash-grey in part, thin, granulose, K-, 

C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, substipitate, not 

constricted, up to 0.6 mm diam. Surface black, plane, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Margin distinct, 

thin. Epihymenium greenish to purple-brown above, pale purplish below, K+ green, 

C-, P-. Hymenium K-, C-. Subhymenium dark purple-brown. Paraphyses 

anastomosing, ramified, not apically thickened, adglutinated. Margin (section) 

greenish in the outer part, the inner part concolorous with hypothecium. Asci 

unitunicate, clavate. Ascospores 1-2-celled, hyaline, ovoid, thin-walled, 8 per ascus, 

(9)20-27(21) x (2.5)3-4.5 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. Conidia bacilliform, 4.5-5.7 x 1.2-1.5 Reactions of apothecial sections 

often ephemeral. - Note: on bryophytes and plant debris on the ground and amongst 

rocks, in areas with siliceous substrata, probably more widespread in the Alps. 

60 Epihymenium K- 61 

61 Apotecial margin (section!) deep black, not transparent in thick sections 

Farnoldia muscigena 

Thallus crustose, whitish, thin, areolate, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Medulla J+ blue. Apothecia 

frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, strongly constricted, up to 1 mm diam. 

Surface black, plane, smooth. Margin distinct, thick, black, concolorous with disk. 

Epihymenium greenish to brownish green, K-. Hymenium J+ violet. Subhymenium 

black to dark brown, often greenish in upper part. Paraphyses anastomosing, ramified, 

slightly thickened above. Margin (section) black. Asci bitunicate, clavate. Ascospores 

1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, thick-walled, 8 per ascus, 10-18 x 6-8 µ. Pycnidia dark, 

immersed. Conidia cylindrical. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on muribund 

bryophytes and plant debris over calcareous substrata, probably more widespread in 

the Alps. (Tatra and Alps). 

61 Apotecial margin (section!) not deep black, transparent 62 

62 Thallus thick. Ascospores 1-celled. Ascomatal disk convex 

Mycobilimbia berengeriana 

Thallus crustose, white, thick, granulose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Areolae convex, 

contiguous. Apothecia frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, up to 1.2 mm diam. 

Surface dark brown to black, convex. Margin distinct, thin, smooth. Epihymenium 

pale brown, K-. Hymenium J+ violet. Subhymenium dark reddish brown. Paraphyses 

simple, distinctly thickened above, adglutinated. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, 

ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, (9.5)11-16(19) x 4-5(6) µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on 

mosses and plant debris over calcareous substrata, most common in the Alps, but 

probably occurring throughout the Apennines. 

62 Thallus thin. Ascospores 1(-4)-celled. Ascomatal disk plane 

Mycobilimbia hypnorum 

Thallus crustose, whitish to pale grey, thin, granulose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia 

frequent, without a thalline margin, sessile, up to 1.2 mm diam. Surface dark brown to 

41

63 

black, plane. Margin distinct, thin, smooth, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium pale 

brown, K-. Hymenium J+ violet. Subhymenium dark reddish brown, with scattered 

bluish granules reacting K+ green. Paraphyses simple, slightly thickened above, 

adglutinated. Ascospores 1(-4)-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 10-16(19) x 4.5- 

6(7) µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on mosses, plant debris, soil, bark and 

lignum. 

Thallus K+ yellow 64 


64 Thallus KC+ red 

Pertusaria bryontha 

Thallus crustose, whitish grey, continuous, K+ yellow, C+ red, KC+ red, P+ red. 

Medulla UV + + glaucous to orange. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, immersed in 

thalline warts, semi-immersed, not constricted, up to 2.5 mm diam. Surface brownblack, 

paler when young, plane, rough. Margin distinct. Epihymenium brown-black, 

K+ violet. Paraphyses ramified, free. Asci cylindrical. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, 

ellipsoid, thick-walled, 1 per ascus, (110)150-210(230) x (40)60-90(100) µ. Pycnidia 

dark, immersed. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on mosses 

and plant debris, mostly on calcareous substrata, probably widespread throughout the 

Alps. 

64 Thallus KC- 65 

65 Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline. Thallus continuous 

Lecanora epibryon 

Thallus crustose, whitish to pale grey, continuous, K+ yellow, C-, KC-, P-. Areolae 

rounded, convex, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum. Hypo/prothallus present, 

dark. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, strongly constricted, up to 1 mm diam. 

Surface brown, plane, C-, P-. Margin distinct, thick, crenulate, whitish to pale grey, 

K+ yellow, C-, KC-, P-. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 10-16 x 

5-8 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on mosses and plant debris in open 

calcareous grasslands and alpine tundras, often on ridges in Carex firma stands, 

common in the Alps, rarer in the Apennines. 

65 Ascospores 2-celled, not hyaline. Thallus areolate 

Rinodina mniaraea v. mniaereiza 

Thallus crustose, whitish to pale brown to reddish brown, thin, areolate, K+ yellow, C- 

, KC-, P-. Areolae rounded, flattened, smooth, contiguous, adpressed to the 

substratum, non imbricate. Medulla white. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, 

slightly constricted, up to 1.5 mm diam. Surface dark brown to blackish, convex. 

Margin distinct, thin, smooth. Paraphyses distinctly thickened above. Asci clavate. 

Ascospores 2-celled, not hyaline, ellipsoid, thick-walled, 8 per ascus, 20-34 x 10-15 µ. 


soil, mosses, plant debris, in tundra-like environments. 

66 Thallus K+ yellow changing to red 67 


67 Thallus KC+ red 68 


68 Ascospores 4-8 per ascus. Non parasitic. Thallus pruinose 

Diploschistes diacapsis 

Thallus crustose, grey to greyish white, areolate, K+ yellow changing to red, C+ red, 

KC+ red, P-. Areolae 1-2(3) mm wide, angular, convex, contiguous. Apothecia 

frequent, lecanorine, immersed, not constricted. Surface black, often faintly whitepruinose, 

concave. Margin distinct. Paraphyses simple, not apically thickened, free. 

Asci bitunicate, cylindrical. Ascospores many-celled, not hyaline, broadly ellipsoid, 

muriform, 4-8 per ascus, 20-38 x 9-17 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia 

bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on more or less calcareous, or base-rich 

soil in open, dry situations, certainly much more widespread in dry grasslands 

throughout the country. 

68 Ascospores 4 per ascus. Parasitic on other lichens. Thallus non-pruinose 

Diploschistes muscorum 

42

69 

Thallus crustose, greenish to whitish grey, thick, areolate, loosely attached, K+ yellow 

changing to red, C+ red, KC+ red, P-. Areolae 1-2(3) mm wide, convex, contiguous. 

Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, immersed, not constricted. Surface black, often faintly 

pruinose, concave. Margin distinct. Paraphyses simple, not apically thickened, free. 

Asci bitunicate, cylindrical. Ascospores many-celled, not hyaline, broadly ellipsoid, 

muriform, 4 per ascus, 18-32 x 6-15 µ. Parasitic on Cladonia spp. when young. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: often - but apparently not always - parasitic on 

Cladonia squamules (esp. C. pocillum and C. symphycarpa), generally on mosses and 

plant debris in dry grasslands on limestone, not always distinguished from D. 

diacapsis in the older literature. 

Apothecia < 3 mm diam. Thallus P-. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline 

Bryonora castanea 

Thallus crustose, greyish, thin, continuous, K+ yellow changing to red, C-, KC-, P-. 

Medulla UV -. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, up to 3 mm diam. Surface dark 

reddish brown, plane. Margin distinct, thick, crenulate. Paraphyses simple, distinctly 

thickened above, adglutinated. Asci bitunicate, cylindrical. Ascospores 1-celled, 

hyaline, ellipsoid-cylindrical, thick-walled, 8 per ascus, 14-17 x 5-7 µ. Pycnidia dark, 

immersed. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Ascospores always onecelled. 

- Note: on soil, mosses, plant remains and on other lichens in Alpine 

grasslands. 

69 Apothecia > 3 mm diam. Thallus P+ orange. Ascospores muriform, not hyaline 

Diploschistes ocellatus 

Thallus crustose, pale grey to white, thick, areolate, K+ yellow changing to red, C-, 

KC-, P+ orange. Pruina diffuse. Areolae (2)3-6 mm wide, angular, convex, 

contiguous. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, up to 6 mm diam. Surface black, 

mostly faintly white-pruinose, plane. Margin distinct, thick, smooth, paler than disk, 

pruinose. Paraphyses simple, not apically thickened, free. Asci bitunicate, cylindrical. 

Ascospores many-celled, not hyaline, broadly ellipsoid, muriform, 8 per ascus. 


limestones, dolomite and calciferous sandstone, more rarely on soil, esp. common in 

the SW part of the Peninsula. 


Rinodina conradii 

Thallus crustose, whitish grey to brown, thin, areolate, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Areolae 

rounded, flattened, smooth, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum, non imbricate. 

Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, slightly constricted, up to 1 mm diam. Surface 

dark brown to blackish, convex. Margin distinct, thin, smooth. Paraphyses distinctly 

thickened above. Asci clavate. Ascospores 2-celled, not hyaline, narrowly ellipsoid, 

thick-walled, 8 per ascus, 25-35 x 10-15 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia 

bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: a short-lived early colonizer of more or 

less base-rich soil and terricolous bryophytes in open habitats, sometimes on mosses 

on basal parts of ancient trees. 




72 Thallus KC+ red 

Trapelia coarctata 

Thallus crustose, whitish, pale grey to pale pinkish, thin, continuous, K-, C+ red, KC+ 

red, P-. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, up to 0.8 mm diam. Surface rose-pink 

to red-brown. Margin distinct, concolour with disk, surrounded by a paler thalline 

margin forming a halo-like rim. Paraphyses anastomosing, ramified, not apically 

thickened. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 15-25 x 7-13 µ. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: an early colonizer of pebbles near the soil surface, 

sometimes on bare clayey soil, rare, and mostly Tyrrhenian, in the eu-Mediterranean 

belt. 


73 Ascomata immersed in thalline warts at least when young 

Megaspora verrucosa 

43

73 

Thallus crustose, whitish to grey, continuous, granulose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Pruina 

diffuse. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, immersed in thalline warts, up to 1.5 mm 

diam. Surface black, concave, rough, partly exposed. Margin distinct, thick, whitish to 

grey, pruinose. Epihymenium grey-black, K+ brownish, C-, P-, N+ green, KC-. 

Paraphyses anastomosing, ramified, not apically thickened, adglutinated. Asci clavate. 

Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, broadly ellipsoid, thick-walled, 8 per ascus, (30)35- 

50(60) x (21)25-39(42) µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on mosses and plant 

debris over calciferous ground in open situations, descending to lower altitudes in 

particularly dry-continental areas, common also in the Apennines. 

Ascomata not immersed in thalline warts, sessile 74 

74 Apothecia 1 mm diam. Apothecial margin thick. Ascospores 50-75 x 25-40 µ 

Ochrolechia upsaliensis 

Thallus crustose, whitish, thin, continuous, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, 

lecanorine, sessile, strongly constricted, up to 3 mm diam. Surface brownish, plane, 

K-, C-, KC-, P-. Margin distinct, thick, smooth, whitish, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Paraphyses 

anastomosing, ramified, adglutinated. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, thickwalled, 

8 per ascus, 50-75 x 25-40 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia bacilliform. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: an arctic-alpine species of calcareous soil and plant 

debris. 


75 Ascomata from bright yellow to red 82 


76 Ascospores not hyaline 79 

77 Ascospores polar-diblastic 

Caloplaca ammiospila 

Thallus crustose, grey, thin, continuous, K-, C-, P-. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, 

sessile, slightly constricted, up to 1 mm diam. Surface rusty red to blackish, plane, K+ 

red. Margin distinct, thin, smooth. Epihymenium orange, K+ red. Subhymenium 

colourless. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, polar-diblastic, 8 per ascus, 13-17 x 6-8 µ. 

Pycnidia orange-yellow, immersed. Conidia ellipsoidal, 1-celled. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. Septum > 3 µ long. - Note: on terricolous mosses and plant debris, 

more rarely on decaying, rather soft lignum. 

77 Ascospores non polar-diblastic 78 

78 Thallus thin, granulose. Ascospores 8 per ascus, 16-23 x 6-8 µ. Apices of paraphyses 

distintctly thickened above 

Halecania lecanorina 

Thallus crustose, greyish, thin, granulose, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia lecanorine, 

sessile, up to 1 mm diam. Surface dark brown to blackish brown, plane. Margin 

indistinct, thin, (thalline) thin and ephemeral, proper margin dark. Paraphyses simple, 

distinctly thickened above, with dark cap. Ascospores 2-celled, hyaline, narrowly 

ellipsoid, 8 per ascus, 16-23 x 6-8 µ. Pycnidia immersed. Conidia bacilliform. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on thin layers of soil, on mosses and plant debris 

over calcareous substrata, perhaps more widespread in the Alps, but certainly not 

common. 

78 Thallus consisting of more or less triangular lobes around the apothecium. Ascospores 

per ascus more than 32, 7-17 x 2-4 µ. Apothecial margin distinct. Apices of 

paraphyses not apically thickened 

44

45 

Solorinella asteriscus 

79 

Thallus crustose, white-pruinose, reduced to a few triangular lobes all around the 

apothecia, more visible in the wet state, thin, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Pruina diffuse. 

Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, up to 4 mm diam. Surface brownish black 

when dry, paler when wet, plane, smooth. Margin distinct, lobulate, pruinose. 

Paraphyses simple, not apically thickened, free. Asci clavate. Ascospores 2-celled, 

hyaline, narrowly ellipsoid, constricted at septa, curved, more than 32 per ascus, 7-17 

x 2-4 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: a typical lichen of steppe grasslands on 

loess, restricted to a few alpine valleys with a strongly continental climate. 

Apothecial margin (section!) with a well-developed cortex 

Rinodina olivaceobrunnea 

Thallus crustose, grey-brown, thin, areolate, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Areolae rounded, 

flattened, smooth, contiguous, adpressed to the substratum, non imbricate. Upper 

cortex paraplectenchymatous. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, slightly 

constricted, up to 0.7 mm diam. Surface dark brown to greyish brown, convex. Margin 

distinct, thin, smooth. Paraphyses distinctly thickened above. Asci clavate. Ascospores 

2-celled, not hyaline, ellipsoid, thick-walled, 8 per ascus, 16-24 x 7-10 µ. Pycnidia 

dark, immersed. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Apothecial cortex J-. 

- Note: on soil, bryophytes and plant debris in tundra-like environments, certainly 

widespread throughout the Alps. 

79 Apothecial margin (section!) without a well-developed cortex 80 

80 Hypothecium 60 µ tall 81 

81 Medulla orange at least in lower parts. Ascomata dark brown to reddish brown. 

Ascospores 21-34 x 10-15 µ 

Rinodina mniaraea v. cinnamomea 

Thallus crustose, pale brown to reddish brown, thin, areolate, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Areolae 


Medulla orange at least in lower parts, K+ red. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, 

slightly constricted, up to 1.5 mm diam. Surface dark brown to reddish brown, 

convex. Margin distinct, thin, smooth. Paraphyses distinctly thickened above. Asci 

clavate. Ascospores 2-celled, not hyaline, ellipsoid, thick-walled, 8 per ascus, 21-34 x 

10-15 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - 

Note: on soil, mosses, plant debris, in tundra-like environments. 

81 Medulla white. Ascomata dark brown. Ascospores 20-34 x 10-15 µ 

Rinodina mniaraea v. mniaraea 

Thallus crustose, pale brown to reddish brown, thin, areolate, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Areolae 


Medulla white. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, slightly constricted, up to 1.5 

mm diam. Surface dark brown, convex. Margin distinct, thin, smooth. Paraphyses 

distinctly thickened above. Asci clavate. Ascospores 2-celled, not hyaline, ellipsoid, 

thick-walled, 8 per ascus, 20-34 x 10-15 µ. Pycnidia dark, immersed. Conidia 

bacilliform. Photobiont chlorococcoid. - Note: on soil, mosses, plant debris, in tundralike 

environments. 

82 Ascospores 4 per ascus 

Caloplaca tetraspora 

Thallus crustose, grey, thin, areolate, granulose, K-. Soredia K-. Apothecia frequent, 

lecanorine, sessile, slightly constricted, up to 1 mm diam. Surface rusty red, convex,

82 

K+ red. Margin indistinct, thin, smooth, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium orange, 

K+ red. Subhymenium colourless. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, polar-diblastic, 4 per 

ascus, 24-34 x 12-16 µ. Pycnidia orange-yellow, immersed. Conidia ellipsoidal, 1celled. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. Septum > 3 µ long. - Note: on bryophytes and plant 

debris in areas with base-rich or somehow calciferous siliceous substrata, certainly 


Ascospores per ascus 8 83 

83 Apothecial margin neither dark nor bright-coloured 84 

83 Apothecial margin from bright yellow to red 86 

84 Thallus brownish grey, thick, on epilithic mosses 

Caloplaca congrediens 

Thallus crustose, brownish grey, thick, thick, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Areolae convex, 

subsquamulose, contiguous. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, up to 0.6 mm 

diam. Surface orange, plane, K+ red. Margin distinct, thick, smooth, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Epihymenium K+ red. Ascospores 2-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, polar-diblastic, 8 per 

ascus, 12-15 x 4-8 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Septum > 3. - Note: on epilithic 

mosses overgrowing base-rich, often volcanic, siliceous rocks. 

84 Thallus grey to whitish, thin 85 

85 Ascomata greenish-yellow 

Caloplaca cerina v. chloroleuca 

Thallus crustose, grey, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile. 

Surface greenish-yellow, K+ red. Margin distinct, smooth, grey, K-, C-, KC-, P-. 

Epihymenium K+ red. Ascospores 2-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, polar-diblastic, 8 per 

ascus, 12-15 x 4-8 µ. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Septum > 3. - Note: on mosses and 

plant debris in tundra-like habitats, esp. in areas with calcareous or basic siliceous 

rocks, to be looked for in the mountains of Sicilia. 

85 Ascomata orange 

Caloplaca cerina v. muscorum 

Thallus crustose, grey, thin, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile. 

Surface orange, K+ red. Margin smooth, grey, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Epihymenium K+ red. 

Ascospores 2-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, polar-diblastic, 8 per ascus, 12-15 x 4-8 µ. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. Septum > 3. - Note: on mosses and plant debris in tundralike 

habitats, esp. in areas with calcareous or basic siliceous rocks, to be looked for in 

the mountains of Sicilia. 

86 Apothecia at least when young bright yellow to orange 87 

86 Apothecia rusty red or dirty (brownish) orange, sometimes blackish orange when old 88 

87 Ascomata orange. Ascospores 10-13 x 4-8 µ 

Caloplaca saxifragarum 

Thallus crustose, pale grey to whitish, thin, continuous, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia 

frequent, lecanorine, sessile, slightly constricted, up to 1 mm diam. Surface orange, 

plane, K+ red. Margin distinct, thin, smooth, orange, K+ red. Epihymenium K+ red. 

Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, polar-diblastic, 8 per ascus, 10-13 x 4-8 µ. Pycnidia 

immersed. Conidia ellipsoidal, 1-celled. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Septum > 3 µ 

long. - Note: on plant debris (esp. on dead leaves of Saxifraga, Dryas and Carex 

firma), and on muribund bryophytes in open habitats over calcareous or dolomitic 

substrata, widespread throughout the Alps, and to be looked for in the highest 

mountains of the south. 

87 Ascomata yellow, becoming greenish yellow and darker with age. Ascospores 11-16 x 

6-9 µ 

Caloplaca tirolensis 

Thallus crustose, pale grey to whitish, thin, continuous, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia 

frequent, lecanorine, sessile, slightly constricted, up to 1 mm diam. Surface yellow, 

becoming greenish yellow and darker with age, plane, K+ red. Margin distinct, thin, 

smooth, paler than disk, K+ red. Epihymenium K+ red. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, 

polar-diblastic, 8 per ascus, 11-16 x 6-9 µ. Pycnidia immersed. Conidia ellipsoidal, 1celled. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. Septum > 3 µ long. - Note: mainly on mosses and 

plant debris in Carex firma stands, often on leaves of Saxifraga, common throughout 

46

88 

the calcareous Alps, rarer and localized in the Apennines. 

Apothecial margin indistinct 

Caloplaca sinapisperma 

Thallus crustose, grey, thin, granulose, K-. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, sessile, 

slightly constricted, up to 1 mm diam. Surface rusty red, convex, K+ red. Margin 

indistinct, smooth, concolorous with disk. Epihymenium orange, K+ red. 

Subhymenium colourless. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, polar-diblastic, 8 per ascus, 

12-23 x 6-12 µ. Pycnidia orange-yellow, immersed. Conidia ellipsoidal, 1-celled. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. Septum > 3 µ long. - Note: on mosses and plant debris on 

more or less calcareous or base-rich siliceous substrata, sometimes reaching the 

montane belt in open habitats, common in the Alps, restricted to the highest areas of 

the Apennines. 

88 Apothecial margin distinct 89 

89 Thallus grey. Ascomata rusty red to blackish. Ascospores 13-17 x 6-8 µ 

Caloplaca ammiospila 

Thallus crustose, grey, thin, continuous, K-, C-, P-. Apothecia frequent, lecanorine, 

sessile, slightly constricted, up to 1 mm diam. Surface rusty red to blackish, plane, K+ 

red. Margin distinct, thin, smooth. Epihymenium orange, K+ red. Subhymenium 

colourless. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, polar-diblastic, 8 per ascus, 13-17 x 6-8 µ. 

Pycnidia orange-yellow, immersed. Conidia ellipsoidal, 1-celled. Photobiont 

chlorococcoid. Septum > 3 µ long. - Note: on terricolous mosses and plant debris, 

more rarely on decaying, rather soft lignum. 

89 Thallus pale grey to whitish. Ascomata brownish orange. Ascospores 18-21 x 7-10 µ 

Caloplaca jungermanniae 

Thallus crustose, pale grey to whitish, thin, K-, C-, KC-, P-. Apothecia frequent, 

lecanorine, sessile, slightly constricted, up to 2 mm diam. Surface brownish orange, 

plane, K+ red. Margin distinct, thin, smooth, brownish orange, clearly paler than disk, 

paler than disk, K+ red. Epihymenium K+ red. Ascospores hyaline, ellipsoid, polardiblastic, 

8 per ascus, 18-21 x 7-10 µ. Pycnidia immersed. Conidia ellipsoidal, 1celled. 

Photobiont chlorococcoid. Septum > 3 µ long. - Note: a circumpolar species of 

terricolous bryophytes and plant debris near and above treeline, on more or less 

calciferous substrata, but less common in areas with pure limestone, probably much 


1 

Subkey E - Leprose lichens 

(Warning: most of these lichens can be identified with certaintly 

only with chromatographical methods) 

Thallus C+ yellow 

Leproloma diffusum 

Thallus leprose, whitish to yellowish grey, not sharply delimited, C+ yellow, P+ 

orange. Medulla UV + reddish violet. Photobiont chlorococcoid. With 4-oxypannaric 

acid-2-methylester, with or without pannaric acid. - Note: in niches and fissures of 

calcareous or dolomitic boulders, but also on soil in dry grasslands, probably present 

throughout the country. 

1 Thallus C- 2 

2 Thallus P+ yellow 3 

47


3 Thallus K-. Thallus KC+ red. Medulla UV - 

3 

Lepraria eburnea 

Thallus leprose, whitish grey with a pale greenish hue, K-, C-, KC+ red, P+ yellow. 

Medulla UV -. Ascospores Thallus not sharply delimited. Photobiont chlorococcoid. 

Granules

Thallus leprose, greenish grey to bluish grey, K+ yellow, C-, KC+ orange, P-. Medulla 

UV + reddish violet. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Thallus without a yellowish tinge 

Granules with protruding short hyphae, but never clam-shaped, White medulla 

evident, With atranorin, stictic acid, zeorin. - Note: in the lower parts of trunks, but 

also on rocks, lignum, soil and mosses, also occurring in rather polluted areas. 

8 Granules without protruding hyphae, never clam-shaped. With pannaric acid-6 

methylester. Thallus whitish to greenish grey 

Leproloma vouauxii 

Thallus leprose, whitish to greenish grey, C-, P-. Medulla UV + reddish violet. 

Ascospores Thallus not sharply delimited. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Thallus without 

a yellowish tinge Granules without protruding hyphae, never clam-shaped, With 

pannaric acid-6 methylester. - Note: on isolated trees with nutrient-rich bark in places 

which are seldom wetted by rain, sometimes on brick walls, certainly more common 

throughout Italy. 

49

KEY to terricolous lichens - italic

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?