Lichenicolous lichens

species of fungus

species of fungus

Epilichen is a small genus of lichen-forming fungi in the family Rhizocarpaceae. These parasitic lichens live on other lichens, beginning as thin, crust-like patches that may break into small islands or scales, and in some cases produce no visible body at all except for their reproductive structures. They reproduce through black, disc-shaped fruiting bodies that contain distinctive brown spores with a "doughnut ring" appearance, and can eventually take over the space occupied by their host lichen once it dies.

species of fungus

species of fungus

species of fungus

species of fungus

species of fungus

Monerolechia is a genus of lichen-forming fungi in the family Caliciaceae. These lichens form crusty patches that break into small blocks or flakes, typically coloured chocolate to grey-brown, and produce black fruiting bodies for reproduction. Most species in this genus start life as parasites on other lichens before developing their own independent growth, which helps distinguish them from similar-looking lichen groups.