Arthonia epipolytropa and Arthonia subclemens, two new lichenicolous species on Lecanora polytropa, with a key to the microfungi known on this common species

Arthonia epipolytropa Hafellner & Grube and Arthonia subclemens Hafellner, Grube & Muggia are described as new to science. Both are specific parasites of Lecanora polytropa s. lat., but of differing pathogenicity and of very different appearance. Whereas the clearly parasitic Arthonia epipolytropa with its agglomerated ascomata is presently known with certainty from a number of localities along the arch of the Alps (Austria, Italy, Switzerland), other parts of Europe (Norway, Albania) and northern America (USA), the less harmful A. subclemens with its isolated sunken ascomata is currently known only from a small number of localities in the Eastern Alps (Austria, Italy) and various mountain ranges in southern Europe (Spain, North Macedonia, Greece). The species are compared with other Arthonia species known from Lecanora or one of its recently segregated genera. A key to the fungi regularly found on Lecanora polytropa s. lat. is presented.

Automated summary

This article describes two new species of Arthonia that are parasites of Lecanora polytropa. They differ in pathogenicity and appearance, with one species being widely distributed in the Alps, Europe and North America, while the other species is found in a limited number of locations.