Thamnolia vermicularis & Thamnolia tundrae #

Taxa #

Thamnolia tundrae, Thamnolia vermicularis

Organization #

Icmadophilaceae

Identification #

Thamnolia tundrae was found to be a cryptic species which appears morphologically similar to the much documented and studied T. vermicularis, sharing a bone-white thallus of worm-like podetia. T. tundrae is currently known only of the Aleutians leaving T. vermicularis as the expected species on the mainland at present (Jørgensen, P. M. 2019, Brännström et al. 2017, Spribille et al. 2023). The podetia can grow decumbently along the substrate or may be more erect. It is not common in forests but when found there can sometimes be seen reaching for the light in a very erect habit.

Substrate #

On soil, among bryophytes and heaths, gravels, and rocks. Our photo hear on a snag of Tsuga mertensiana is an extreme rarity.

Chemical Tests:

Thamnolia vermicularis #

K+ yellow, Pd+ orange to red, UV- (CLH)

Jørgensen, P. M. (2019). The troublesome genus Thamnolia (lichenized Ascomycota). Lichenologist, 51(3), 221–226. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282919000203

Photos #