Shield Lichens
ExploreFungi
Shield Lichens
parmelia
Shield lichens look like tiny shields on trees and rocks! They come in many colors and help clean the air by absorbing pollutants.
Habitat: Shield lichens can be found on tree bark, rocks, and soil in forests and urban areas.
Appearance
The Shield Lichens have flat, leaf-like lobes, often forming circular patches that cling to bark or rocks. Their color varies from pale grey-green to olive or brownish, with a darker, sometimes velvety underside. They can be visually distinguished by their broad, rounded lobes compared to stringy or crusty lichens.
KingdomFungiPhylumAscomycotaClassLecanoromycetesOrderLecanoralesFamilyParmeliaceaeGenusParmelia
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Lichens produce special acids that can slowly dissolve rocks, helping create new soil over centuries.
Some ancient lichens have been estimated to be thousands of years old, making them Earth's oldest living things!
Some cultures have traditionally used specific lichens to create vibrant natural dyes for fabrics.
Tiny animals like mites and springtails often live safely within the cozy layers of lichens.
Special abilities
Ability
Sunshine Maker
Shield Lichens can create their own food using sunlight because the algae inside them convert light energy into sugars.
Ability
Super Survivor
Shield Lichens can endure harsh climates, like droughts or extreme cold, because they can dry out and become dormant.
Ability
Air Quality Alert
Shield Lichens can indicate air pollution levels because they absorb everything from the air, making them sensitive to toxins.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 cm
- Edibility
- inedible
- Growth Substrate
- other
- Season
- Year-round
- Spore Color
- White
Ecological connections
eats
Common Footman Moth
Eilema complana
Larvae graze on lichen growth.
eats
Garden Snail
Helix aspersa
Snails graze on lichen surfaces.
shelters
White-eyed Vireo
Vireo griseus
Uses lichen to camouflage and build nests.
shelters
Water Bear
Milnesium tardigradum
Many species live protected within lichens.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
LecanoraShield FungusShield LichenTree Lichens
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Shield Lichens?
0.1-0.5 cm
Is Shield Lichens edible?
inedible
Where is Shield Lichens usually found?
Shield lichens can be found on tree bark, rocks, and soil in forests and urban areas.
What does Shield Lichens grow on?
other
When is Shield Lichens in season?
Year-round
What color are Shield Lichens spores?
White
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