Caloplaca tephromelae (Teloschistaceae), a new lichenicolous species from Tasmania

Caloplaca tephromelae Kantvilas, Suija & Motiej., a lichenicolous species growing on saxicolous thalli of species of Tephromela, is described from Tasmania. The new species is characterized by lecanorine to zeorine apothecia with a whitish grey thalline margin devoid of anthraquinone pigments, a non-inspersed hymenium, paraphyses without oil vacuoles and ascospores 10-14 x 5-8 mu m, with a septum 5-8 mu m thick. It is compared with selected taxa of Caloplaca s. lat. that share these salient features. Molecular data support the distinctiveness of the new species but do not suggest any obvious close relatives.

Automated summary

Caloplaca tephromelae is a lichenicolous species found on saxicolous thalli of Tephromela species in Tasmania. It is distinguished by specific characteristics of its apothecia and ascospores, as compared to other Caloplaca species. Molecular data confirm the uniqueness of this new species without suggesting any close relatives.