Montana Field Guide

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- Kingdom - Fungi - Fungi
  - Division - Sac Fungi - Ascomycota
    - Class - (Incertae sedis (phylum: ascomycota)) - Incertae sedis (phylum: ascomycota)
      - Order - (Incertae sedis (phylum: ascomycota)) - Incertae sedis (phylum: ascomycota)
        
        Family - (Incertae sedis (phylum: ascomycota)) - Incertae sedis (phylum: ascomycota)
        
        Species - Elf-Ear Lichen - Normandina pulchella

Elf-Ear Lichen - Normandina pulchella

Species of Concern
Native Species

Global Rank: G4G5
State Rank: S1
(see State Rank Reason below)

Agency Status
USFWS:
USFS:
BLM:

External Links

State Rank Reason (see State Rank above)

In the Rocky Mountains, this lichen has a spotty distribution. Known in Montana from one location.

General Description

Thallus of small isolated or massed ear-shaped or shell-shaped squamules; squamules of less than 2 mm, entire or lobate; margins upturned, forming a distinct rim on the squamule; upper surface bluish gray to whitish or greenish gray; lower surface pale, with short tomentum; and chemical spot tests negative (McCune and Goward 1995).

Diagnostic Characteristics

Widespread, but easily overlooked because it is similar to the small sterile Cladonia squamules (McCune and Goward 1995).

Range Comments

A widespread, but easily overlooked species.

Observations in Montana Natural Heritage Program Database

Number of Observations: 6

(Click on the following maps and charts to see full sized version) Map Help and Descriptions

Relative Density

Recency

(Observations spanning multiple months or years are excluded from time charts)

Habitat

On bark, mosses, and other lichens in moist habitats.

Ecology

Photobiont: green algae (Trebouxia).

Threats or Limiting Factors

None identified.

References

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Citation for data on this website:
Elf-Ear Lichen — Normandina pulchella. Montana Field Guide. Montana Natural Heritage Program. Retrieved on April 19, 2024, from https://FieldGuide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=NLSPH1E010