Pyrenula nitidella
Local name: askvårtlav
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Jurga Motiejūnaitė, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jurga Motiejūnaitė
Overview
Pyrenula nitidella is a crustose lichen species that forms thin, smooth, dark-colored crusts on tree bark with characteristic small, black, flask-shaped fruiting bodies (perithecia) that give it a distinctive spotted appearance. This epiphytic lichen plays an important ecological role in forest ecosystems by contributing to biodiversity and serving as a microhabitat for various invertebrates while also participating in nutrient cycling.
Pyrenula nitidella faces severe decline primarily due to air pollution and habitat degradation affecting the old-growth deciduous forests where it occurs. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in air quality and forest management practices that alter the microclimate conditions required for this specialized lichen.
Habitat
Pyrenula nitidella grows exclusively on the smooth bark of mature deciduous trees, particularly favoring species like beech, maple, and ash in old-growth and semi-natural forests. The lichen requires stable microclimatic conditions with consistent humidity levels typically found in undisturbed woodland environments.
Other threatened species in Pyrenulaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is askvårtlav classified as Endangered?
Where does askvårtlav live?
What are the main threats to askvårtlav?
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