Loading profile. Please wait . . .

---

Federal Protection: No US federal protection

State Protection: No Georgia state protection

Global Rank: G3G5

State Rank: SNR

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: Woodlands and forests where host wart lichens grow

---

Description

Short black stubble arising from host thallus, with ellipsoid widening at tip above thick stalk (often absent); microscopy: spores dark brown, simple, round to squarish (but with rounded corners), ornamented with pits

Similar Species

Sphinctrina tubaeformis has ellipsoid spores with pointed ends (shaped like an American football)

Related Rare Species

None

Habitat

Woodlands & forests where host wart lichens (Pertusaria, Lepra species) grow

Life History

Apotheciate lichenicolous fungus, parasitic on Pertusaria or Lepra species (apparently not fatal to host)

Survey Recommendations

None

Range

A few records widely scattered statewide, in lowlands (not recorded in Cumberland Plateau or Southern Blue Ridge)

Threats

Unknown

Georgia Conservation Status

Rare

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.

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.

Authors of Account

Malcolm Hodges

Date Compiled or Updated

30 July 2022