Parmeliopsis hyperopta (Ach.) Arnold

A lichen very similar to the common P. ambigua, from which it differs in the grey thallus colour (it has atranorin in its cortex instead of usnic acid). It grows mainly on spruce bark, but may be found also on other woody plants with acidic bark, including wood. Seldomly, it occurs also on acidic silicates. The species may be seen both in exposed habitats and forests. It prefers sites covered by snow in winter. Actually, the usual height of snow cover may be estimated according to the species occurrence at tree bases. Parmeliopsis hyperopta has a boreal-montane distribution. It may be one of the dominant lichens in the zone of coniferous forests. In Central Europe and in the Czech Republic, it is common in mountain areas.

Ascomycota → Lecanoromycetes → Lecanorales → Parmeliaceae → Parmeliopsis