Synonym: Caloplaca feracissima.
Common name: sidewalk firedot.
Xanthocarpia feracissima is a crustose lichen species characterized by its yellow-green to grayish thallus and numerous apothecia with yellow to orange discs. In East and Central Texas, it is typically found on bark, particularly of deciduous trees such as oak and elm, as well as on rocky outcrops. The species tends to thrive in areas with full sun to partial shade and moderate to high humidity, and has been recorded in a variety of habitats, including woodland edges, riparian zones, and rocky glades.
Sidewalk firedot lichen (Xanthocarpia feracissima, Caloplaca feracissima) on handshake symbol on a tomb in City Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, December 8, 2018
1500 N Washington Ave, Bryan, TX 77803, USA
Sidewalk firedot lichen (Xanthocarpia feracissima, Caloplaca feracissima) on a marble rose in Boonville Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, December 8, 20183504 Pioneer Cir, Bryan, TX 77808, USA
Sidewalk firedot lichen (Xanthocarpia feracissima, Caloplaca feracissima) on a wet tombstone with an inscription in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, December 31, 20181667 FM 149, Anderson, TX 77830, USA
Sidewalk firedot lichen (Xanthocarpia feracissima, Caloplaca feracissima) on a wet tombstone in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, December 31, 20181667 FM 149, Anderson, TX 77830, USA
Sidewalk firedot lichen (Xanthocarpia feracissima, Caloplaca feracissima) around a decoration on a tombstone in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, December 31, 20181667 FM 149, Anderson, TX 77830, USA
Sidewalk firedot lichen (Xanthocarpia feracissima) in ultraviolet light on a concrete path in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, August 19, 2024Texas Avenue South, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77840, United States
Sidewalk firedot (Xanthocarpia feracissima) with other crustose lichens in ultraviolet light on a concrete path in Lemontree Park. College Station, Texas, August 22, 2024Anderson Street, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77840, United States
Texture of sidewalk firedot (Xanthocarpia feracissima) with other crustose lichens in ultraviolet light on a concrete path in Lemontree Park. College Station, Texas, August 22, 2024Anderson Street, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77840, United States
Sidewalk firedot lichen (Xanthocarpia feracissima) on a concrete path in ultraviolet light in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, October 15, 2024
Sidewalk firedot lichen (Xanthocarpia feracissima, Caloplaca feracissima) on a tombstone when exposed to regular daylight as well as when illuminated by a 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, November 9, 20241667 Farm-to-Market Road 49, Anderson, Texas 77830, United States
Sidewalk firedot lichen (Xanthocarpia feracissima, Caloplaca feracissima) on a granite tomb both in natural light and under 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, November 9, 20241667 Farm-to-Market Road 49, Anderson, Texas 77830, United States
Granite tombstone with sidewalk firedot lichen (Xanthocarpia feracissima, Caloplaca feracissima) both in natural light and under 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, November 9, 20241667 Farm-to-Market Road 49, Anderson, Texas 77830, United StatesObservations of Xanthocarpia feracissima in East and Central Texas show that the species thrives on various surfaces, including tombstones, concrete paths, and marble roses. It has been found in several cemeteries, such as City Cemetery, Boonville Cemetery, and Odd Fellow Cemetery, where it grows on wet and dry tombstones with inscriptions. The lichen also grows on concrete paths in parks like Bee Creek Park and Lemontree Park. Under ultraviolet light, the species exhibits a unique texture and fluorescence, as seen in observations from August 19, 2024, to November 9, 2024. The lichen's appearance changes when exposed to UV-A blacklight, with some specimens showing distinct markings or colors. These findings suggest that Xanthocarpia feracissima is a widespread and adaptable species in East and Central Texas. Its ability to grow on different surfaces and respond to various light conditions makes it an interesting subject for further study.
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