Studies of the diversity of genus Pertusaria s.l. (lichenized ascomycetes) on Hokkaido

The study of biodiversity of lichens in Hokkaido, Japan, revealed seven species of genus Pertusaria s. l., sixof which are new to the island or whole Japan. The full list of species of Pertusaria s. str. and Lepra known from Hokkaidocomprises 18 species.

Accumulation of elements in thalli of representatives of genus Circinaria Link (lichenized ascomycetes) in arid habitats

Elemental profiles were studied in thalli of a representative of Circinaria from Bogdinsko-Baskunchakskiyreserve (Astrakhan region, Russia). The highest concentration of iron, silica and aluminium were found in the cortex ofthe thalli. In the deeper layers the concentration of the elements decreases but the concentration of aluminium does notdepend on the depth. Iron and aluminium in thalli may act as filters for UV-B as well as heat insulators.

Rusty-colored representatives of genus Circinaria Link. (lichenized ascomycetes) in arid habitats of Bogdinsko-Baskunchakskiy nature reserve

Diversity of Aspicilia desertorum s. l. was studied in Bogdinsko-Baskunchakskiy reserve (Astrakhanregion, Russia). The group comprises eight species in the region. Six of them include specimens with rusty-colored thalli.We found that trivalent iron in the cortex of the studied species is not a taxonomic character but has a connection withchemistry of the substrate and may act as a sun-screen, decreasing levels of UV-B reaching the photobiont.

Additions to the lichenized order Pertusariales (lichenized Ascomycetes) in Pakistan

We report three species of Pertusariales (lichenized Ascomycota) from Pakistan. Pertusaria australis (Pertusariaceae) and Varicellaria hemisphaerica (Ochrolechiaceae) are reported for the first time from Pakistan, while Lepra albescens (Pertusariaceae) is reported for the second time only. The taxonomic characters of each species are given, along with an ITS-based phylogenetic analysis and notes on ecology and distribution. Pertusaria australis is here being redescribed for the first time after its first description in 1888.

Ikaeria serusiauxii, a new Caloplaca-like lichen from Macaronesia and mainland Portugal, with a lichen checklist for Porto Santo

The new species Ikaeria serusiauxii (Teloschistaceae, lichenized Ascomycetes) is described from the Madeira Archipelago, Canary Islands and continental Portugal. It is a crustose lichen on twigs and branches of trees and shrubs in xerophytic maritime vegetation. Superficially it is similar to Caloplaca cerina and C. haematites, from which it differs by the often black apothecium margin, very thick spore septa, black pycnidium ostioles, and the presence of the pigment Cinereorufa-green instead of Sedifolia-grey. ITS sequences suggest Ikaeria aurantiellina (syn. Caloplaca aegatica) as the closest relative. Added is a preliminary lichen checklist for Porto Santo (Madeira Archipelago, Macaronesia).

Enterographa serusiauxii, a new foliicolous lichen species from Guadeloupe

The new species Enterographa serusiauxii (crustose Roccellaceae, lichenized Ascomycetes) is described from Guadeloupe. It grows abundantly on leaves of Garcinia humilis and Calophyllum calaba in coastal vegetation. It was already collected in the previous century by Le Gallo, but these specimens were only identified recently by us. In 2019 it was recollected in the type locality by the first author.