English Parasite Needle Lichen
Sphinctrina anglica
The English Parasite Needle Lichen (Sphinctrina anglica) is a rare parasitic lichen species that forms minute, dark fruiting bodies resembling tiny black pins or needles on the surface of its host lichens. This obligate parasite specifically targets certain crustose lichens, particularly those in coastal and maritime environments, playing a specialized ecological role as a secondary colonizer that may influence lichen community dynamics.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Ascomycota
Class
Eurotiomycetes
Order
Mycocaliciales
Family
Sphinctrinaceae
Genus
Sphinctrina
English Parasite Needle Lichen belongs to the family Sphinctrinaceae, order Mycocaliciales, within the Eurotiomycetes class.
Species Profile
The English Parasite Needle Lichen (Sphinctrina anglica) is a rare parasitic lichen species that forms minute, dark fruiting bodies resembling tiny black pins or needles on the surface of its host lichens. This obligate parasite specifically targets certain crustose lichens, particularly those in coastal and maritime environments, playing a specialized ecological role as a secondary colonizer that may influence lichen community dynamics.
English Parasite Needle Lichen is declining primarily due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds, which alter the chemistry of its host lichens and bark substrates. Habitat loss from urbanization and changes in woodland management practices have further reduced suitable sites where this specialized parasitic lichen can survive.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Sphinctrina anglica inhabits exposed coastal rocks, sea cliffs, and maritime stone walls where it parasitizes specific crustose lichen hosts. The species is typically found in areas with high humidity and salt spray influence, particularly on limestone and calcareous substrates in coastal Britain.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
English Parasite Needle Lichen is declining primarily due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds, which alter the chemistry of its host lichens and bark substrates. Habitat loss from urbanization and changes in woodland management practices have further reduced suitable sites where this specialized parasitic lichen can survive.
Air pollution and nitrogen deposition
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Changes in woodland management
Climate change impacts on host species
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). English Parasite Needle Lichen (Sphinctrina anglica). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/english-parasite-needle-lichen