donker steenschubje
Acarospora nitrophila
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) sdlalp, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Overview
Acarospora nitrophila, known as donker steenschubje, is a crustose lichen species that forms dark, scaly patches on rock surfaces. This inconspicuous lichen creates thin, areolate crusts with small, scattered apothecia and plays an important ecological role as a pioneer species in rock colonization and nutrient cycling in harsh environments.
Donker steenschubje faces significant threats from air pollution and nitrogen deposition, which alter the chemical composition of its rocky substrates and disrupt the delicate balance required for lichen survival. Urban development and quarrying activities destroy suitable rock surfaces, while climate change affects moisture regimes critical for this species' growth and reproduction.
Habitat
This crustose lichen grows on nitrogen-enriched siliceous rocks, concrete surfaces, and stone walls in urban and semi-urban environments. It typically colonizes anthropogenic substrates including building materials, bridges, and other artificial stone surfaces where nitrogen levels are elevated.
Other threatened species in Acarosporaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is donker steenschubje classified as Vulnerable?
Where does donker steenschubje live?
What are the main threats to donker steenschubje?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.