blekskaftad svartspik
Chaenothecopsis pusilla
Chaenothecopsis pusilla is a minute pin lichen species characterized by its distinctive black stalks (mazaedia) topped with dark spore masses. This cryptic fungal species forms tiny, hair-like fruiting bodies that are easily overlooked, typically measuring only 0.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA)
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Ascomycota
Class
Eurotiomycetes
Order
Mycocaliciales
Family
Mycocaliciaceae
Genus
Chaenothecopsis
blekskaftad svartspik belongs to the family Mycocaliciaceae, order Mycocaliciales, within the Eurotiomycetes class.
Species Profile
Chaenothecopsis pusilla is a minute pin lichen species characterized by its distinctive black stalks (mazaedia) topped with dark spore masses. This cryptic fungal species forms tiny, hair-like fruiting bodies that are easily overlooked, typically measuring only 0.5-1.5mm in height. As a specialized decomposer, it plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling within old-growth forest ecosystems.
Chaenothecopsis pusilla, a critically endangered lichen species, faces severe decline primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and forest fragmentation. Air pollution and climate change further threaten the specific microhabitat conditions this species requires for survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species occurs exclusively on the weathered, decaying wood of ancient coniferous trees, particularly old stumps and fallen logs in undisturbed boreal and montane forests. It requires very specific microhabitat conditions with consistent moisture, low light levels, and minimal disturbance that are only found in mature forest stands aged 100+ years.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Chaenothecopsis pusilla, a critically endangered lichen species, faces severe decline primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and forest fragmentation. Air pollution and climate change further threaten the specific microhabitat conditions this species requires for survival.
Air pollution and acid deposition
Habitat loss and forest fragmentation
Loss of suitable substrate trees
Climate change altering microhabitat conditions
Forest management practices
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). blekskaftad svartspik (Chaenothecopsis pusilla). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/blekskaftad-svartspik