Lecidea lithophila (Ach.) Ach.

A relatively conspicuous saxicolous Lecidea, typical for damp siliceous stones. It is characterized by rusty spots formed by oxidation of the thallus that contains iron compounds from the substrate. The lichen is morphologically, chemically and ecologically similar to the closely related L. plana. Both species may occur together. Lecidea lithophila differs in brown, especially if wet, often pruinose apothecia discs, more developed thallus and wider ascospores (Hertel 1995, 2009). In the field, however, it is also possible to encounter intermediate types. It is a common lichen in the Czech mountains.

Literature: Hertel H. (1995): Schlüssel für die Arten der Flechtenfamilie Lecideaceae in Europa. – Bibliotheca Lichenologica 58: 137–180. Hertel H. (2009): A new key to cryptothalline species of the genus Lecidea (Lecanorales). ‒ Bibliotheca Lichenologica 99: 185‒204.

Ascomycota → Lecanoromycetes → Lecanorales → Lecideaceae → Lecidea