Fungus
Buellia dispersa
Buellia dispersaAlso known as Dispersed Buellia Lichen
Dull white to beige or dark brown, this crustose lichen forms distinct, closely packed areolas on non-calcareous rock surfaces throughout arid western landscapes. It thrives on exposed basalt, granite, and gneiss, enduring intense solar radiation and severe thermal swings. As a common pioneer species across the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, it contributes to rock weathering and stabilizes barren surfaces.
LichenArid-AdaptedRock-Dwelling
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthetic algal symbiont and atmospheric nutrients)
Predators
- Lichen-eating mites
- Snails
- Springtails
ThreatsAir pollution, intensive off-road vehicle activity, severe desert fires
HabitatsArid and semi-arid deserts, rocky outcrops, and canyon walls
Life spanDecades to centuries
Classification
- FamilyCaliciaceae
- SpeciesBuellia dispersa
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look closely at exposed basalt and granite outcrops in arid desert ranges.
- Magnification: Use a hand lens to inspect the distinct, button-like areolas and lobed margins.
- Protection: Avoid scraping or damaging fragile crusts attached to ancient rock surfaces.
Co-Occurring Lichen (c) Millie Basden, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Co-Occurring Lichen no rights reserved, uploaded by Alex Heyman · cc0
Co-Occurring Lichen (c) Jason Hollinger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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