Grainy Shadow-crust Lichen
Hyperphyscia adglutinata
Grainy Shadow-crust Lichen (Hyperphyscia adglutinata) is a foliose lichen characterized by its grayish, granular surface texture and closely adhering thallus that forms thin, shadow-like crusts on substrates. This species plays a crucial ecological role as a pioneer colonizer and contributes to nutrient cycling and soil formation in its ecosystems.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Ascomycota
Class
Lecanoromycetes
Order
Caliciales
Family
Physciaceae
Genus
Hyperphyscia
Grainy Shadow-crust Lichen belongs to the family Physciaceae, order Caliciales, within the Lecanoromycetes class.
Species Profile
Grainy Shadow-crust Lichen (Hyperphyscia adglutinata) is a foliose lichen characterized by its grayish, granular surface texture and closely adhering thallus that forms thin, shadow-like crusts on substrates. This species plays a crucial ecological role as a pioneer colonizer and contributes to nutrient cycling and soil formation in its ecosystems.
Grainy Shadow-crust Lichen faces severe decline primarily due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter its substrate chemistry and disrupt its symbiotic relationships. Urban development and habitat fragmentation have eliminated many suitable bark substrates, while climate change is shifting precipitation patterns that affect the moisture-dependent reproductive cycles of this epiphytic species.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Hyperphyscia adglutinata typically grows on the bark of deciduous trees, particularly favoring smooth-barked species in semi-open woodlands and parklands. It thrives in areas with moderate light exposure and consistent moisture levels, often found at intermediate heights on tree trunks where humidity remains relatively stable.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Grainy Shadow-crust Lichen faces severe decline primarily due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter its substrate chemistry and disrupt its symbiotic relationships. Urban development and habitat fragmentation have eliminated many suitable bark substrates, while climate change is shifting precipitation patterns that affect the moisture-dependent reproductive cycles of this epiphytic species.
Air pollution and nitrogen deposition
Urban development and habitat loss
Acid rain and atmospheric chemical changes
Climate change and altered precipitation patterns
Loss of suitable host trees
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
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Grainy Shadow-crust Lichen (Hyperphyscia adglutinata). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/grainy-shadow-crust-lichen