Synonyms: Caloplaca squamosa, Placodium squamosum.
Squamulea squamosa is a crustose lichen species characterized by its squamulose thallus, composed of small, overlapping scales. In East and Central Texas, it typically grows on trees, particularly oak and cedar, and rocks in shaded to partially shaded areas. The thallus is usually grayish-white to pale brown, and the apothecia are rare, but when present, they are immersed to slightly raised and have a reddish-brown disc. It is often found in areas with high humidity and moderate temperatures.
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on sandstone at the road descent at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, January 25, 2019
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on sandstone outcrops in an oak and red cedar forest at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, January 25, 2019
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) and other lichens on sandstone outcrops in an oak and red cedar forest at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, January 25, 2019
Crust of firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on sandstone outcrops in an oak and red cedar forest at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, January 25, 2019
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on a horizontal surface of a tomb in Boonville Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 2019
Details of firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on a horizontal surface of a tomb in Boonville Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 2019
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) covering a horizontal surface of a tomb in Boonville Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 2019
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) in Old Independence Cemetery near Independence. Texas, February 10, 2019
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) in City Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, March 3, 2019
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on a marble tomb in City Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, March 3, 2019
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on sandstone near Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, March 14, 2019
Stonewall rim-lichen (Lecanora muralis, Protoparmeliopsis muralis) with Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on sandstone near Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, March 14, 2019
Aspicilia(?) lichen with Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on sandstone near Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, March 14, 2019
Stonewall rim-lichen (Lecanora muralis, Protoparmeliopsis muralis) with Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on sandstone of Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, March 14, 2019
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) with apothecia on sandstone of Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, March 14, 2019
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) near Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, March 14, 2019
Close up of firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) near Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, March 14, 2019
Apothecia of firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on sandstone of Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, March 14, 2019
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on sandstone outcrops at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, April 19, 2019
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on sandstone of Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, October 13, 2019
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on a sandstone outcrop at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, January 26, 2020
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on sandstone of Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, February 23, 2020
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on sandstone outcrops at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, April 5, 2020
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on sandstone of Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, February 28, 2021
Lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on sandstone of Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, December 25, 2021
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on sandstone of Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, December 25, 2021
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) at Lake Somerville Trailway near Nails Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, February 14, 2024
Firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on a tomb in Independence Cemetery. Texas, March 26, 2024
Orange apothecia of firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on a tomb in Independence Cemetery. Texas, March 26, 2024
Close-up of firedot lichen Squamulea squamosa (Caloplaca squamosa) on a tomb in Independence Cemetery. Texas, March 26, 2024The species of lichen Squamulea squamosa was observed in East and Central Texas from 2019 to 2024. The lichen was found on sandstone outcrops, tombs, and marble surfaces in various locations, including Lake Somerville Trailway, Bastrop State Park, and several cemeteries. Observations were made throughout the year, with multiple visits to some locations. The lichen was often found growing with other species, such as Stonewall rim-lichen and Aspicilia lichen. Apothecia, or fruiting bodies, were also observed on several occasions. The observations suggest that Squamulea squamosa is a common and widespread species in the region, able to thrive on a variety of substrates and in different environments. Overall, the data provide valuable information on the distribution and ecology of this lichen species in East and Central Texas.
Mushroom Observer and Facebook for learning names of local mushrooms.
This web page was generated by a special script.