Lichens of Montana
Encyclopedia
There are at least 41 species of Lichens, Ascomycota
known to exist in Montana
. The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks
has identified a number of lichen species as Species of Concern.
The Ascomycota are a Division/Phylum
of the kingdom Fungi, and subkingdom Dikarya
. Its members are commonly known as the Sac Fungi. They are the largest phylum of Fungi, with over 64,000 species. The defining feature of this fungal group is the "ascus
" (from Greek
: (askos), meaning "sac" or "wineskin"), a microscopic sexual structure
in which nonmotile spore
s, called ascospores, are formed. However, some species
of the Ascomycota are asexual, meaning that they do not have a sexual cycle and thus do not form asci or ascospores. Previously placed in the Deuteromycota along with asexual species from other fungal taxa, asexual (or anamorphic) ascomycetes are now identified and classified based on morphological
or physiological similarities to ascus-bearing taxa
, and by phylogenetic analyses of DNA
sequences.
Ascomycota
The Ascomycota are a Division/Phylum of the kingdom Fungi, and subkingdom Dikarya. Its members are commonly known as the Sac fungi. They are the largest phylum of Fungi, with over 64,000 species...
known to exist in Montana
Montana
Montana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name,...
. The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is a government agency in the executive branch state of Montana in the United States with responsibility for protecting sustainable fish, wildlife, and state-owned park resources in Montana for the purpose of providing recreational activities...
has identified a number of lichen species as Species of Concern.
The Ascomycota are a Division/Phylum
Phylum
In biology, a phylum The term was coined by Georges Cuvier from Greek φῦλον phylon, "race, stock," related to φυλή phyle, "tribe, clan." is a taxonomic rank below kingdom and above class. "Phylum" is equivalent to the botanical term division....
of the kingdom Fungi, and subkingdom Dikarya
Dikarya
Dikarya is a subkingdom of Fungi that includes the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, both of which in general produce dikaryons, may be filamentous or unicellular, but are always without flagella. The Dikarya are most of the so called "higher fungi", but also include many anamorphic species that...
. Its members are commonly known as the Sac Fungi. They are the largest phylum of Fungi, with over 64,000 species. The defining feature of this fungal group is the "ascus
Ascus
An ascus is the sexual spore-bearing cell produced in ascomycete fungi. On average, asci normally contain eight ascospores, produced by a meiotic cell division followed, in most species, by a mitotic cell division. However, asci in some genera or species can number one , two, four, or multiples...
" (from Greek
Greek language
Greek is an independent branch of the Indo-European family of languages. Native to the southern Balkans, it has the longest documented history of any Indo-European language, spanning 34 centuries of written records. Its writing system has been the Greek alphabet for the majority of its history;...
: (askos), meaning "sac" or "wineskin"), a microscopic sexual structure
Sexual reproduction
Sexual reproduction is the creation of a new organism by combining the genetic material of two organisms. There are two main processes during sexual reproduction; they are: meiosis, involving the halving of the number of chromosomes; and fertilization, involving the fusion of two gametes and the...
in which nonmotile spore
Spore
In biology, a spore is a reproductive structure that is adapted for dispersal and surviving for extended periods of time in unfavorable conditions. Spores form part of the life cycles of many bacteria, plants, algae, fungi and some protozoa. According to scientist Dr...
s, called ascospores, are formed. However, some species
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
of the Ascomycota are asexual, meaning that they do not have a sexual cycle and thus do not form asci or ascospores. Previously placed in the Deuteromycota along with asexual species from other fungal taxa, asexual (or anamorphic) ascomycetes are now identified and classified based on morphological
Morphology (biology)
In biology, morphology is a branch of bioscience dealing with the study of the form and structure of organisms and their specific structural features....
or physiological similarities to ascus-bearing taxa
Taxon
|thumb|270px|[[African elephants]] form a widely-accepted taxon, the [[genus]] LoxodontaA taxon is a group of organisms, which a taxonomist adjudges to be a unit. Usually a taxon is given a name and a rank, although neither is a requirement...
, and by phylogenetic analyses of DNA
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms . The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in...
sequences.
- ArctomiaceaeArctomiaceaeThe Arctomiaceae are a family of lichenized fungi in the Ascomycota, class Lecanorales. The family was named by Theodor Magnus Fries in 1861. Species in this family are found in arctic and subarctic habitats, usually associated with bryophytes....
- Delicate Arctomia LichenArctomiaArctomia is a lichenized genus of fungi within the Arctomiaceae family. The genus was originally described by Theodor Magnus Fries in 1860....
, Arctomia delicatula
- Delicate Arctomia Lichen
- BrigantiaeaceaeBrigantiaeaceaeThe Brigantiaeaceae are a family of fungi in the Ascomycota, class Lecanoromycetes. Its relationship to other taxa in the Lecanoromycetes is not well understood, so it is considered to be incertae sedis with respect to ordinal placement. Species in this family are lichenized with green algae, and...
- Brick-spored Firedot LichenBrigantiaeaBrigantiaea is a lichenized genus of fungi within the Brigantiaeaceae family.-External links:* at Index Fungorum...
, Brigantiaea praetermissa
- Brick-spored Firedot Lichen
- CladoniaceaeCladoniaceaeThe Cladoniaceae are a family of lichenized fungi in the order Lecanorales. The reindeer moss and cup lichens belong to this family.-Genera:*Calathaspis*Carassea*Cetradonia*Cladia*Cladonia*Gymnoderma*Heterodea...
- Thorn Cladonia LichenCladoniaCladonia is a genus of moss-like lichens in the family Cladoniaceae. They are the primary food source for reindeer and caribou. Cladonia species are of economic importance to reindeer-herders, such as the Sami in Scandinavia or the Nenets in Russia. Antibiotic compounds are extracted from some...
, Cladonia uncialis - Wooden Soldiers LichenCladoniaCladonia is a genus of moss-like lichens in the family Cladoniaceae. They are the primary food source for reindeer and caribou. Cladonia species are of economic importance to reindeer-herders, such as the Sami in Scandinavia or the Nenets in Russia. Antibiotic compounds are extracted from some...
, Cladonia botrytes
- Thorn Cladonia Lichen
- CollemataceaeCollemataceaeThe Collemataceae are a lichenized family of fungi in the order Peltigerales . Species in this family have a widespread distribution.-External links:*...
- Jelly LichenCollemaCollema is a genus of lichens in the family Collemataceae. The photobiont is the cyanobacterium genus Nostoc.-External links:* at Index Fungorum...
, Collema curtisporum
- Jelly Lichen
- ConiocybaceaeConiocybaceaeThe Coniocybaceae are a family of fungi in the Ascomycota phylum. This family can not yet be taxonomically classified in any of the ascomycetous classes and orders with any degree of certainty .-See also:...
- Collared Glass Whiskers Lichen, Sclerophora amabilis
- Hymeneliaceae
- Vagrant Aspicilia LichenAspiciliaAspicilia is a genus of lichenized fungi. Most of the species of this genus grow on calcareous and acidic rocks and most of the taxa prefer temperate and arctic habitats.- Description :...
, Aspicilia fruticulosa
- Vagrant Aspicilia Lichen
- LecanoraceaeLecanoraceaeThe Lecanoraceae are a family of lichenized fungi in the order Lecanorales. Species of this family have a widespread distribution.-Genera:*Ameliella*Arctopeltis*Bryonora*Bryodina*Calvitimela - status uncertain*Carbonea...
- Wanderlust LichenRhizoplacaRhizoplaca is a genus of lichenized fungi in the Lecanoraceae family. The genus has a widespread distribution and contains 11 species....
, Rhizoplaca haydenii
- Wanderlust Lichen
- LobariaceaeLobariaceaeThe Lobariaceae are a lichenized family of fungi in the order Peltigerales . Species of this family have a widespread distribution, particularly in the tropics and southern temperate areas.-External links:*...
- Cabbage Lungwort LichenLobariaLobaria is a genus of lichens commonly known as "lungwort" or "lung moss" as their physical shape somewhat resembles a lung. Lobaria species are unusual in that they have a three-part symbiosis, containing a fungus, an alga and a cyanobacterium, the presence of the cyanobacterium allowing nitrogen...
, Lobaria linita - Gray Lungwort LichenLobariaLobaria is a genus of lichens commonly known as "lungwort" or "lung moss" as their physical shape somewhat resembles a lung. Lobaria species are unusual in that they have a three-part symbiosis, containing a fungus, an alga and a cyanobacterium, the presence of the cyanobacterium allowing nitrogen...
, Lobaria hallii - Netted Specklebelly LichenPseudocyphellariaPseudocyphellaria is a genus of large, leafy lichens that are sometimes referred to as "specklebelly" lichens. The genus has a widespread distribution, especially in south temperate regions, and contains about 170 species...
, Pseudocyphellaria anomala - Textured Lungwort LichenLobariaLobaria is a genus of lichens commonly known as "lungwort" or "lung moss" as their physical shape somewhat resembles a lung. Lobaria species are unusual in that they have a three-part symbiosis, containing a fungus, an alga and a cyanobacterium, the presence of the cyanobacterium allowing nitrogen...
, Lobaria scrobiculata - Thorn Lichen, Dendriscocaulon umhausense
- Cabbage Lungwort Lichen
- PannariaceaePannariaceaeThe Pannariaceae are a lichenized family of fungi in the order Peltigerales . Species from this family have a widespread distribution, but are especially prevalent in southern temperate regions.-Species list:*Austrella...
- Lead LichenParmeliellaParmeliella is a genus of lichenized fungi in the family Pannariaceae. The genus has a widespread distribution, especially in tropical regions, and contains over 90 species....
, Parmeliella triptophylla
- Lead Lichen
- ParmeliaceaeParmeliaceaeThe Parmeliaceae is a large and diverse family of Lecanoromycetes. With over 2000 species in roughly 87 genera, it is currently regarded as the largest family of lichen forming fungi...
- Camouflage LichenMelaneliaMelanelia is a genus of lichenized fungi within the Parmeliaceae family.-External links:...
, Melanelia commixta - Chestnut Wrinkle-LichenCetrariaCetraria is a genus of fruticose lichens that associate with green algae as photobionts. Most species are found at high latitudes, occurring on sand or heath...
, Cetraria sepincola - Foxtail LichenNodobryoriaNodobryoria is a genus of medium to large, reddish-brown lichens that are hair-like to shrubby in shape and grow on conifer trees. The genus contains three species, distributed in North America and Greenland, which were previously included in the genus Bryoria...
, Nodobryoria subdivergens - Frosted Finger LichenDactylinaDactylina is a genus of lichenized fungi within the Parmeliaceae family. The genus has a widespread distribution, and contains ten species....
, Dactylina ramulosa - Mountain Oakmoss LichenEverniaEvernia is a bushy lichen in the family Parmeliaceae. Two species, Oakmoss Evernia prunastri, and Treemoss Evernia furfuracea are used as a fixative agent in cologne within the perfume industry. It is green on top and white on bottom, and divides evenly into "forks." Not to be confused with...
, Evernia divaricata - Northern Camouflage LichenMelaneliaMelanelia is a genus of lichenized fungi within the Parmeliaceae family.-External links:...
, Melanelia septentrionalis - Ribbon Rag LichenPlatismatiaPlatismatia is genus of medium to large foliose lichens with rather crinkled lobes. The genus is widespread and contains 10 species. They resemble many other genera of foliose lichens in the family Parmeliaceae, particularly Parmotrema, Cetrelia, and Asahinea...
, Platismatia stenophylla - Ring LichenArctoparmeliaArctoparmelia is a genus of lichenized fungi within the Parmeliaceae family.-External links:...
, Arctoparmelia subcentrifuga - Shield LichenParmeliaParmelia may refer to:* Parmelia , the barque in which were transported the first settlers of the British colony of Western Australia in 1829* Parmelia , a large genus of lichens with global distribution...
, Parmelia fraudans - Tattered Rag LichenPlatismatiaPlatismatia is genus of medium to large foliose lichens with rather crinkled lobes. The genus is widespread and contains 10 species. They resemble many other genera of foliose lichens in the family Parmeliaceae, particularly Parmotrema, Cetrelia, and Asahinea...
, Platismatia herrei
- Camouflage Lichen
- PeltigeraceaePeltigeraceaeThe Peltigeraceae are a lichenized family of fungi in the order Peltigerales. Species of this family have a widespread distribution but are especially prevalent in temperate regions. The family contains two genera and 101 species....
- Chocolate Chip LichenSolorinaSolorina is a genus of 10 species of lichenized fungi in the family Peltigeraceae. The genus was first described by the Swedish botanist Erik Acharius in 1808.-Species:*Solorina aurantiaca*Solorina bispora*Solorina crocea...
, Solorina bispora - Chocolate Chip LichenSolorinaSolorina is a genus of 10 species of lichenized fungi in the family Peltigeraceae. The genus was first described by the Swedish botanist Erik Acharius in 1808.-Species:*Solorina aurantiaca*Solorina bispora*Solorina crocea...
, Solorina octospora - Fringed Chocolate Chip LichenSolorinaSolorina is a genus of 10 species of lichenized fungi in the family Peltigeraceae. The genus was first described by the Swedish botanist Erik Acharius in 1808.-Species:*Solorina aurantiaca*Solorina bispora*Solorina crocea...
, Solorina spongiosa - Fringed Pelt Lichen, Peltigera pacifica
- Waterfan Lichen, Peltigera hydrothyria
- Chocolate Chip Lichen
- PertusariaceaePertusariaceaeThe Pertusariaceae are a family of lichenized fungi in the order Pertusariales.-References:...
- Wart LichenPertusariaPertusaria is a genus of lichenized fungi in the Pertusariaceae family. The widespread genus contains over 500 species....
, Pertusaria diluta
- Wart Lichen
- PhysciaceaePhysciaceaeThe Physciaceae are a family of mostly lichen-forming fungi belonging to the class Lecanoromycetes in the division Ascomycota. The family contains 17 genera and 512 species.-Genera:*Anaptychia*Coscinocladium*Culbersonia...
- Shadow LichenPhaeophysciaPhaeophyscia is a genus of lichenized fungi in the family Physciaceae. The widespread genus contains 28 species.-Species:* Phaeophyscia adiastola* Phaeophyscia ciliata* Phaeophyscia confusa* Phaeophyscia constipata...
, Phaeophyscia kairamoi
- Shadow Lichen
- PsoraceaePsoraceaeThe Psoraceae are a family of lichenized fungi in the order Lecanorales. Species of this family have a widespread distribution.-External links:*...
- Scale LichenPsoraPsora is a genus of fungi within the Psoraceae family.-External links:* at Index Fungorum...
, Psora rubiformis
- Scale Lichen
- RamalinaceaeRamalinaceaeThe Ramalinaceae are a family of lichenized fungi in the order Lecanorales. The family name is synonymous with the name Bacidiaceae. Species of this family have a widespread...
- Hooded Ramalina LichenRamalinaRamalina is a genus of lichens belonging to the suborder Lecanorineae. The genus has a widespread distribution and contains over 240 species....
, Ramalina obtusata - Powdery Twig LichenRamalinaRamalina is a genus of lichens belonging to the suborder Lecanorineae. The genus has a widespread distribution and contains over 240 species....
, Ramalina pollinaria - Slit-rimmed Ramalina LichenRamalinaRamalina is a genus of lichens belonging to the suborder Lecanorineae. The genus has a widespread distribution and contains over 240 species....
, Ramalina subleptocarpha
- Hooded Ramalina Lichen
- SphaerophoraceaeSphaerophoraceaeThe Sphaerophoraceae are a family of lichenized fungi in the order Lecanorales. Species of this family have a widespread distribution, especially in southern temperate regions. The genus contains 5 genera and 32 species....
- Coral LichenSphaerophorusSphaerophorus a genus of lichenized fungi in the order Lecanorales. According to the Dictionary of the Fungi , the widespread genus contains eight species....
, Sphaerophorus tuckermanii
- Coral Lichen
- StereocaulaceaeStereocaulaceaeThe Stereocaulaceae are a family of lichenized fungi in the order Lecanorales. Species of this family are widely distributed in temperate boreal and austral regions.-External links:*...
- Easter Lichen, Stereocaulon paschale
- UmbilicariaceaeUmbilicariaceaeThe Umbilicariaceae are a family of lichenized fungi in the Ascomycota. Species of this family are known from a variety of climates, including temperate, boreal, austral, and warmer montane regions.-External links:*...
- Rock Tripe Lichen, Umbilicaria havaasii
- Rock Tripe Lichen, Umbilicaria hirsuta
- VerrucariaceaeVerrucariaceaeThe Verrucariaceae are a family of lichenized fungi in the order Verrucariales.- Genera :These are the genera that are currently in the Verrucariaceae family, based on the 2007 Outline of Ascomycota...
- Elf-ear LichenNormandinaNormandina is a genus of fungi in the Ascomycota phylum. The relationship of this taxon to other taxa within the class is unknown , and it has not yet been placed with certainty into any class, order, or family.-See also:...
, Normandina pulchella - Speck Lichen, Verrucaria kootenaica
- Elf-ear Lichen
See also
- EthnolichenologyEthnolichenologyEthnolichenology is the study of the relationship between lichens and people. Lichens have and are being used for many different purposes by human cultures on every continent, with the possible exception of Australia. The most common human use of lichens is for dye, but they are also frequently...
- LichenometryLichenometryIn archaeology, palaeontology, and geomorphology, lichenometry is a geomorphic method of geochronologic aging that uses lichen growth to determine the age of exposed rock: lichens are presumed to increase in size radially at specific rates as they grow...
- LichenologyLichenologyLichenology is the branch of mycology that studies the lichens, symbiotic organisms made up of an intimate symbiotic association of a microscopic alga with a filamentous fungus....
- Coniferous plants of Montana
- Monocotyledons of Montana