Glaucous Beard-moss
Didymodon glaucus
Glaucous Beard-moss (Didymodon glaucus) is a small acrocarpous moss characterized by its distinctive blue-green to glaucous coloration and densely packed, linear-lanceolate leaves. This bryophyte forms compact cushions or turfs on calcareous substrates and plays a crucial role in soil stabilization and microhabitat creation for invertebrates in specialized alkaline environments.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Bryophyta
Class
Bryopsida
Order
Pottiales
Family
Pottiaceae
Genus
Didymodon
Glaucous Beard-moss belongs to the family Pottiaceae, order Pottiales, within the Bryopsida class.
Species Profile
Glaucous Beard-moss (Didymodon glaucus) is a small acrocarpous moss characterized by its distinctive blue-green to glaucous coloration and densely packed, linear-lanceolate leaves. This bryophyte forms compact cushions or turfs on calcareous substrates and plays a crucial role in soil stabilization and microhabitat creation for invertebrates in specialized alkaline environments.
Glaucous Beard-moss (Didymodon glaucus) faces severe threats from habitat destruction and degradation of its specialized limestone cliff and rock crevice environments. Urban development, quarrying activities, and recreational climbing have significantly reduced available habitat, while air pollution and climate change alter the delicate microenvironments this moss requires for survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Didymodon glaucus occurs exclusively on exposed limestone rocks, mortar of old walls, and concrete structures in areas with high calcium carbonate content. It typically colonizes vertical or near-vertical surfaces in partially shaded locations where moisture can accumulate but drainage prevents waterlogging.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Glaucous Beard-moss (Didymodon glaucus) faces severe threats from habitat destruction and degradation of its specialized limestone cliff and rock crevice environments. Urban development, quarrying activities, and recreational climbing have significantly reduced available habitat, while air pollution and climate change alter the delicate microenvironments this moss requires for survival.
Habitat destruction from quarrying and development
Recreational rock climbing damage
Air pollution affecting growth conditions
Climate change altering microhabitat conditions
Limited dispersal ability restricting colonization
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | VUVulnerable | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | VUVulnerable | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
Report a sightingNo community sightings yet. Be the first to report!
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
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Glaucous Beard-moss (Didymodon glaucus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/glaucous-beard-moss