Acarospora thelococcoides facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acarospora thelococcoides |
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Acarospora thelococcoides is a special type of lichen often called the soil eyes lichen. It looks like dusty white, warty patches that can grow up to 10 centimeters wide. This lichen loves to grow on soil, especially soil that comes from broken-down granite rocks.
You can find Acarospora thelococcoides growing from San Benito, California, all the way down to Baja California, and even inland up to about 930 meters (3,050 feet) high.
What it Looks Like
Each little round part of this lichen is called an areole. These areoles become more dusty white towards the top. Each one usually has a single round, dark brown spot called an apothecium, which is where the lichen produces its spores. Sometimes, an areole might not have an apothecium at all.
Because of how these dark spots look like eyes surrounded by white rings, people gave it the fun common name, "soil eyes lichen."
How it Reproduces
Lichens reproduce using tiny structures called asci. In Acarospora thelococcoides, these asci are shaped like sacs. Inside these sacs are many tiny, round ascospores, which are like the seeds of the lichen.
Special Facts About This Lichen
Scientists often do "lichen spot tests" to identify different lichens. For Acarospora thelococcoides, all these tests come back negative. It also doesn't glow under UV light.
This lichen is very important because it acts as a sign of healthy, undisturbed soil. If you find Acarospora thelococcoides growing, it usually means the soil hasn't been messed with much by humans or machines.
See also
In Spanish: Acarospora thelococcoides para niños
