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 | LECANOROMYCETES > TELOSCHISTALES > Teloschistacae
Genus Caloplaca, meaning 'beautiful patches'
Common name: -
Synonyms: Caloplaca crenulatella
Habitat: Urban
Substrata: Calcareous stone, concrete, occasionally wood
Growth form: Saxicolous (lignicolous)
Thallus: Crustose
Apothecia: Lecideine
BLS identity rating: Graded 2/5 (possible, although microscopic inspection recommended)
Thallus rather variable, but usually reasonably well-developed, although often poorly delimited, generally quite thin, irregularly cracked and weakly areolate, but can also be inconspicuous or even absent; typically, greyish-yellow to pale brownish-yellow in colour, sometimes with a greenish tinge, and often with bright yellow patches particularly if well lit, but duller in shade; apothecia common, mainly scattered, often spreading almost to the edge of the thallus, 0.5-0.8mm dia., discs flat to convex, yellow-orange, but darkening with age, with thick yellow margins.
Xanthocarpia crenulatella is widespread and reasonably common throughout central and southern areas, but far more scarce further north. Reported from various locations, but primarily regarded as an urban species occurring on flat, horizontal surfaces, mainly at or near ground level, such as stone and concrete paving slabs; also on mortar, and occasionally wood.
This species can be difficult to distinguish due to its variable form, which is why microscopy is required to reliably confirm its identity. It is often considered alongside Gyalolechia (Caloplaca) flavovirescens as the two species are very similar, although Gyalolechia flavovirescens usually has a larger, more spreading thallus and slightly larger apothecia. The apothecia are also more brownish-orange, but that can be misleading as the apothecia of Xanthocarpia crenulatella darken with age. But, whereas Xanthocarpia crenulatella is primarily found in urban locations, Gyalolechia flavovirescens is regarded as being mainly a coastal and upland species.
Three Legged Cross (garden), East Dorset
(on concrete paving slabs)
Three Legged Cross (garden), East Dorset
(on natural rock lawn stepping stones)
Three Legged Cross (garden), East Dorset
(on natural rock lawn stepping stones)
Three Legged Cross (garden), East Dorset
(on natural rock lawn stepping stones)
Three Legged Cross (garden), East Dorset
(on concrete paving slabs)
Three Legged Cross (garden), East Dorset
(on concrete paving slabs)