Synonyms: Caloplaca clauzadei, Caloplaca crenulatella, Caloplaca lactea, Caloplaca luteoalba, Caloplaca prinii, Lecanora crenulatella, Placodium crenulatellum.
Xanthocarpia crenulatella is a crustose lichen species characterized by a yellowish-green to grayish thallus with rounded, crenulate soralia. In East and Central Texas, it typically grows on bark, particularly of deciduous trees such as oak and elm, and occasionally on rock. The species is relatively rare in the region, but can be found in areas with moderate to high humidity and shaded conditions, often in association with other crustose lichens. Its distribution in East and Central Texas appears to be scattered, with records from counties including Bastrop, Brazos, and McLennan.
Firedot lichen Xanthocarpia crenulatella (Caloplaca crenulatella) (orange), Acarospora (brown), Acarospora or Pleopsideum (yellow) and Lecidea(?)(black) lichens on sandstone rocks of a bridge in Wolf Pen Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 13, 2018
Firedot lichen Xanthocarpia crenulatella (Caloplaca crenulatella) (orange) and Acarospora (brown) on sandstone on a bridge in Wolf Pen Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 13, 2018
Firedot lichen Xanthocarpia crenulatella (Caloplaca crenulatella) on brick and cement outer surface of a water cistern in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, December 29, 2018
Firedot lichen Xanthocarpia crenulatella (Caloplaca crenulatella) on concrete enforcement of a sandy road in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, December 29, 2018
Firedot lichen Xanthocarpia crenulatella (Caloplaca crenulatella) on erosion control stones in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 23, 2019
Firedot lichen Xanthocarpia crenulatella (Caloplaca crenulatella) on a piece of petrified wood in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, March 4, 2021
Close-up of firedot lichen Xanthocarpia crenulatella (Caloplaca crenulatella) on a piece of petrified wood in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, March 4, 2021
Texture of firedot lichen Xanthocarpia crenulatella (Caloplaca crenulatella) on a piece of petrified wood in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, March 4, 2021In East and Central Texas, the firedot lichen Xanthocarpia crenulatella has been observed growing on various substrates. On sandstone rocks in Wolf Pen Creek Park, it was found alongside other lichens such as Acarospora and Lecidea. It also grows on brick and cement surfaces, concrete reinforcements, erosion control stones, and even petrified wood in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. The species appears to be adaptable to different environments and substrates, thriving on both natural and human-made surfaces. Observations were made over several years, from 2018 to 2021, with close-up views revealing the texture of the lichen on petrified wood. The presence of Xanthocarpia crenulatella in these areas highlights its ability to colonize a range of surfaces and environments.
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