# Mapledust Lichen (*lecanora thysanophora*)

Mapledust Lichen is a colorful plant that often grows on tree bark and rocks. It can look like tiny specks of dust, making it a fun discovery during nature walks!

- **Category:** [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fungi)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger
- **Habitat:** Mapledust Lichen can be found on tree trunks and rocks in forests and woodlands.
- **Also known as:** Dust Lichen, Maple Lichen, Thysanophora Lichen

![Mapledust Lichen](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Lecanora_thysanophora_123948.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Jason Hollinger (jason), CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lecanora_thysanophora_123948.jpg)

## Appearance

The Mapledust Lichen is a flat, crusty lichen that often appears as a thin, powdery, or granular film on tree bark. It ranges in color from pale greenish-grey to a bright yellowish-green, sometimes with a slightly dusty or floury texture, forming irregular patches.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Fungi
- **Phylum:** Ascomycota
- **Class:** Lecanoromycetes
- **Order:** Pertusariales
- **Family:** Pertusariaceae
- **Genus:** Verseghya

## Interesting facts

- It helps create new soil when it grows on bare rocks, slowly breaking them down!
- It's a super team of a fungus and alga living as one amazing organism!
- Some lichens are among the oldest living things on Earth, over 8,000 years old!
- This tiny lichen can help scientists learn about air pollution in cities!

## Special abilities

- **Air Cleaner:** Mapledust Lichen can absorb nutrients and moisture directly from the air, which helps it survive and also filters pollutants.
- **Sun Shield:** Mapledust Lichen has special pigments that protect it from strong sunlight, allowing it to thrive on exposed tree trunks.
- **Super Survivor:** Mapledust Lichen can dry out completely and then revive itself with just a bit of moisture, enduring harsh conditions.

## Measurements & details

- **Spread:** 1-10 cm
- **Edible:** No
- **Toxicity:** None
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial

## Ecological connections

- **Depends on:** [Blue-gray Gnatcatcher](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-gray-gnatcatcher) (*Polioptila caerulea*) — Uses flakes of it to build sturdy nests.
- **Eats:** Engrailed Moth (*Ectropis crepuscularia*) — Its caterpillars sometimes graze on lichen.
- **Eats:** Snow Flea (*Hypogastrura nivicola*) — Tiny springtails feed on its powdery surface.
- **Parasitizes:** Lichenicolous Fungus (*Stigmidium lecanorae*) — A tiny fungus can grow on this lichen.

## Traits

- [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.

## Collections

- [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fungi)
- [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants)

## Safety

**Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger

No special safety notes yet.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Mapledust Lichen?

Compare the cap shape, the underside, the stem and base, and whether the fungus grows on wood or soil. Some fungi have gills, others pores or teeth. A cap seen only from above often hides the most useful features. Mushroom Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How wide does Mapledust Lichen spread?

1-10 cm

### Is Mapledust Lichen edible?

No

### Is Mapledust Lichen toxic?

None

### What is Mapledust Lichen's lifecycle?

Perennial

### Where is Mapledust Lichen usually found?

Mapledust Lichen can be found on tree trunks and rocks in forests and woodlands.

## Where to spot

- [Prouty Place State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/prouty-place-state-park) — Pennsylvania, US · State Park

## More Fungi

- [Field Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Button Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/button-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Portobello Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/portobello-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Shiitake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/shiitake) (*Lentinula*)

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Source: [Mapledust Lichen: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mapledust-lichen)