Yellow Specklebelly
VU

Yellow Specklebelly

Pseudocyphellaria crocata

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudocyphellaria_crocata

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Yellow Specklebelly faces severe decline due to air pollution and acid rain, which directly damage its sensitive thallus structure and disrupt the delicate chemical balance required for photosynthesis. Habitat fragmentation from logging and urban development has eliminated many of the old-growth forest stands this lichen depends upon for its specific microclimate requirements. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing temperature extremes that exceed the species' narrow tolerance range.

Threat summary

Habitat

This foliose lichen inhabits the bark of mature deciduous and mixed forests, particularly favoring oak, maple, and beech trees in humid, shaded environments. It requires stable microclimatic conditions with consistent moisture levels and minimal air pollution, typically found in old-growth or undisturbed forest ecosystems.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Lobariaceae

VU

Norwegian specklebelly

Pseudocyphellaria norvegica

Unknown
Lobaria halliiCR

Lobaria hallii

Unknown
CR

Lobariella ecorticata

Unknown
Sticta sylvaticaCR

Sticta sylvatica

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Yellow Specklebelly classified as Vulnerable?
Yellow Specklebelly is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Yellow Specklebelly faces severe decline due to air pollution and acid rain, which directly damage its sensitive thallus structure and disrupt the delicate chemical balance required for photosynthesis. Habitat fragmentation from logging and urban development has eliminated many of the old-growth forest stands this lichen depends upon for its specific microclimate requirements. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing temperature extremes that exceed the species' narrow tolerance range.
Where does Yellow Specklebelly live?
Yellow Specklebelly occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Yellow Specklebelly?
The main threats to Yellow Specklebelly are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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