duinknikker
Pyrenula chlorospila
Pyrenula chlorospila is a crustose lichen species characterized by its thin, greenish-gray thallus with distinctive black perithecia containing spores. This lichen forms intimate symbiotic relationships with photosynthetic algae and plays a crucial ecological role in nutrient cycling and as a pioneer species in forest succession.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Valentin Hamon, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Valentin Hamon
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Ascomycota
Class
Eurotiomycetes
Order
Pyrenulales
Family
Pyrenulaceae
Genus
Pyrenula
duinknikker belongs to the family Pyrenulaceae, order Pyrenulales, within the Eurotiomycetes class.
Species Profile
Pyrenula chlorospila is a crustose lichen species characterized by its thin, greenish-gray thallus with distinctive black perithecia containing spores. This lichen forms intimate symbiotic relationships with photosynthetic algae and plays a crucial ecological role in nutrient cycling and as a pioneer species in forest succession.
Pyrenula chlorospila faces significant threats from habitat degradation and loss due to air pollution, urbanization, and climate change affecting its specialized lichen communities. As a crustose lichen species with specific substrate and air quality requirements, it is particularly vulnerable to environmental changes that alter bark chemistry and atmospheric conditions in its forest habitats.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This crustose lichen species typically grows on the bark of deciduous and coniferous trees in temperate and boreal forests, particularly favoring areas with stable moisture conditions and clean air quality. It is commonly found in mature forest ecosystems where it forms part of the epiphytic lichen community on tree trunks and branches.
Threats
Air pollution and acid deposition
Forest fragmentation and habitat loss
Changes in host tree species composition
Climate change altering moisture regimes
Urban development pressure
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). duinknikker (Pyrenula chlorospila). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/duinknikker