A species very similar to the variable B. cinereorufescens, from which it differs in smaller thallus composed of separate areoles on black prothallus and red-brown apothecia which turn conspicuously red when wet (the fact that the species name refers to). Larger ascospores of B. sanguinea (14–22 × 6–14 μm), reported in identification keys since the work of Clauzade & Roux (1985), are probably measured including the gelatinous epispore (so-called halo).
Similarly to other species of the genus, B. sanguinea has an arctic-alpine distribution. It grows at higher elevations on siliceous rocks and stones, sometimes enriched with metals. In the Czech Republic, it has been recorded in the Krkonoše Mts and the Brdy highlands. Recent findings on pebbles in screes together with older reports or occurrences on individual stones on the ground (Magnusson 1937) indicate that it is a pioneer lichen.
Literature: Magnusson A. H. (1937): New or otherwise interesting Swedish lichens IX. – Botaniska Notiser 1937: 124–140. Clauzade G. & Roux C. (1985): Likenoj de Okcidenta Eǔropo. Ilustrita determinlibro. – Bulletin de la Société Botanique du Centre-Ouest, Nouvelle Série, N. S. 7: 1–897.
taxonomic classification:Ascomycota → Lecanoromycetes → Lecanorales → Lecideaceae → Bellemerea
Red List (Liška & Palice 2010):DD – data deficient
Red List (Malíček 2023):C1 – critically endangered
Occurrence in the Czech Republic
All records: 3, confirmed 2. One click on a selected square displays particular record(s), including their source(s).