donker steenschubje
Acarospora nitrophila
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.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) sdlalp, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Ascomycota
Class
Lecanoromycetes
Order
Acarosporales
Family
Acarosporaceae
Genus
Acarospora
donker steenschubje belongs to the family Acarosporaceae, order Acarosporales, within the Lecanoromycetes class.
Species Profile
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.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
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.
Threats
Air pollution and nitrogen deposition
Habitat destruction from quarrying
Climate change impacts on moisture regimes
Urban development
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). donker steenschubje (Acarospora nitrophila). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/donker-steenschubje