Shield Lichens And Allies
ExploreFungi
Shield Lichens And Allies
parmeliaceae
Shield lichens are fascinating organisms that help break down rocks and create soil. They come in many colors and can often be found growing on tree bark and rocks in forests.
Habitat: Forests, rocky areas, and on tree bark.
Appearance
The Shield Lichens And Allies are typically flattened, broad, and leaf-like, adhering tightly to surfaces. They often appear grey-green, brown, or black, sometimes with distinct lobe-like structures at their edges, distinguishing them from crusty lichens.
KingdomFungiPhylumAscomycotaClassLecanoromycetesOrderLecanoralesFamilyParmeliaceae
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Reindeer and caribou rely on certain lichens for food, especially during harsh winters.
Some shield lichens can live for over 1,000 years, growing incredibly slowly!
They are so tough some lichens can survive in the harsh environment of outer space!
They don't have roots; they absorb all their water and food directly from the air!
Special abilities
Ability
Extreme Survivor
Shield Lichens can dry completely and 'come back to life' later, surviving harsh, dry conditions.
Ability
Air Quality Monitor
They absorb everything from the air, making them natural indicators of pollution levels.
Ability
Rock Dissolver
These lichens can slowly break down rocks, helping to create new soil over centuries.
Ability
Teamwork Power
Shield Lichens are actually two organisms, a fungus and an alga, working together for survival.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 0.5-5 cm
- Edibility
- inedible
- Growth Substrate
- other
- Season
- Year-round
Ecological connections
symbiotic with
Fungal Partner
Parmelia sulcata
The fungal component of a common shield lichen
symbiotic with
Algal Partner
Trebouxia erici
A green alga that photosynthesizes within many lichens
eaten by
Reindeer or Caribou
Rangifer tarandus
Specific lichens are a crucial food source for these large mammals
parasitizes
Parasitic Fungus
Arthonia varians
A specific fungus that grows on and feeds on other lichens
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
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.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Shield Lichens And Allies?
0.5-5 cm
Is Shield Lichens And Allies edible?
inedible
Where is Shield Lichens And Allies usually found?
Forests, rocky areas, and on tree bark.
What does Shield Lichens And Allies grow on?
other
When is Shield Lichens And Allies in season?
Year-round
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