Small World Discoveries
by Tony Enticknap - tickspics
Taking a close look at insects and other small species that can be found in and around East Dorset and the New Forest ...
ASCOMYCOTA | EUROTIOMYCETES > VERRUCARIALES > Verrucariaceae
Genus Verrucaria, meaning 'wart-like'
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Common name:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Members of the genus collectively known as 'speck lichens'
Synonym:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Verrucaria dolomitica
Habitat:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Coastal (for this entry)
Substrata:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Rock
Growth form:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Saxicolous
Thallus: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Crustose
Perithecia:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Immersed
BLS identity rating:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Graded 2/5 (relatively straightforward with care)
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Thallus endolithic, smooth and without cracks; off-white to greyish-white, sometimes with a light reddish-brown tinge; perithecia numerous, completely immersed in pits, up to 0.7mm dia., without projection above the thallus surface, often falling out leaving conspicuous empty pits.
Common and widespread, occurring on calcareous rocks.
Portland Bill, Isle of Portland, Dorset
