Fauna
Fungus · GBIF taxon 2605963

Netted Shield Lichen

Parmelia sulcata

Also known as Hammered Shield Lichen, Cracked-Shield Lichen, Powdery Shield Lichen

Netted shield lichens carpet tree bark and rock outcrops across the northern hemisphere, recognizable by the intricate web of pale ridges crisscrossing their blue-grey lobes. This hardy organism pairs a fungal scaffold with green algal partners that harness sunlight and ambient moisture, allowing it to flourish even in cities where atmospheric pollution eliminates more delicate lichens. Clusters of powdery granules called soralia erupt along the surface fissures, scattering microscopic clones across the landscape via wind and visiting birds.

SymbioticEpiphyticBioindicator
Netted Shield Lichen reference1 / 7
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—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Photosynthetic symbiosis (via green algal partner Trebouxia)
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Land snails
  • Oribatid mites
ThreatsSevere air pollution, habitat loss from deforestation, extreme heat
HabitatsTemperate and boreal forests, urban trees, open woodlands, rocks
Life span30–100+ years
Classification
  1. OrderLecanorales
  2. FamilyParmeliaceae
  3. GenusParmelia
  4. SpeciesParmelia sulcata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Hand lens inspection: Examine the upper lobe surfaces with a 10x loupe to see the network of pale ridges and powdery soralia.
  • Bark searching: Inspect tree trunks and fallen branches at eye level in both deep forests and suburban parks.
Related species
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