Parmeliopsis hyperopta #

Taxon #

Parmeliopsis hyperopta

Organization #

Shield-Like Parmelioids

Identification #

Parmeliopsis hyperopta is a species of gray, foliose, narrow-lobed, lichen which forms small rosettes or shields. It is the smallest sorediate Parmelioid at maturity in Alaska and is more likely to be mistaken for a member of the Physciaceae than another of its own family. The soredia are gray, and the lobe tips are inconspicuously browned. It might also be mistaken for Imshaugia aleurites but that species grows larger thalli and has isidia rather than discrete soralia as in Parmeliopsis hyperopta. This species can rarely produce apothecia with brown discs (Brodo et al. 2001, CLH).

Substrate #

corticolous, lignicolous

Chemical Tests #

upper cortex: K+ yellow, C-, KC-, Pd- or Pd+ yellow, UV-; medulla: K-, C-, KC- or KC+ purplish, Pd-, UV+ white (CLH)

Notes #

Possibly ubiquitous on the mainland where there are coniferous trees (CLH).

Photos #