Vulpicida pinastri #

Taxon #

Vulpicida pinastri

Organization #

Rag-Like Parmelioids

Identification #

Only two species of the bright yellow Vulpicida genus are currently known of Alaska. The two are easily separated by the presence or absence of soredia at the margins of the lobes, and with some rare exceptions, substrate. In V. pinastri soredia are present but absent in V. juniperinus. V. pinastri can sometimes look greenish in the shade or when hydrated. V. pinastri can sometimes form nice rosettes or shield-shaped thalli but also produces irregular specimens.

Substrate #

Usually corticolous or lignicolous. Rare on rock. We were surprised to have found it growing also on dwarf shrub species such as Cassiope tetragona in tundras with little to no trees or wood.

Chemical Tests #

Cortex: K-, C-, KC- or KC+ yellow, Pd-, medulla: K-, C-, KC-, Pd- (CLH). These tests are probably unnecessary in most contexts.

Notes #

Apothecia and lichenicolous infections of this species are rare and should be noted if not collected when/where encountered.