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Federal Protection: No US federal protection

State Protection: No Georgia state protection

Global Rank: GNR

State Rank: SU

Element Locations Tracked in Biotics: No

SWAP 2015 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN): No

SWAP 2025 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN): No

2025 SGCN Priority Tier: None

Element Occurrences (EOs) in Georgia: 0

Habitat Summary for element in Georgia: Montane heath bald/hardwood forest

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Description

Black disks on host thallus (similar to Buellia in appearance); MICROSCOPY: spores brown, 2-celled, 8/ascus; FIELD ID possible with experience

Similar Species

Other Dactylospora are on different hosts

Related Rare Species

None

Habitat

Montane heath bald/hardwood forest; parasitic on Ricasolia

Life History

Obligate lichenicolous fungus, apparently not fatal to host

Survey Recommendations

None

Range

Southern Blue Ridge

Threats

Unknown

Georgia Conservation Status

Rare? Likely overlooked

Conservation Management Recommendations

None

References

Esslinger, T. L. 2021. A cumulative checklist for the lichen-forming, lichenicolous and allied fungi of the continental United States and Canada. Version 24. Opuscula Philolichenum 20: 100-394.

Lendemer, J. C., R. C. Harris & E. A. Tripp. 2013. The lichens and allied fungi of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: an annotated checklist with comprehensive keys. Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden 104: 1-152.

Nash III, T. H., B. D. Ryan, P. Diederich, C. Gries & F. Gungartz (eds.). 2004. Lichen flora of the greater Sonoran Desert region. Vol. II. Lichens Unlimited, Arizona State University, Tempe.

Tripp, E. A. & J. C. Lendemer. 2020. Field guide to the lichens of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville.

Authors of Account

Malcolm Hodges

Date Compiled or Updated

30 July 2022