Fungus · GBIF taxon 3432260
Black Lichen
Buellia frigidaAlso known as Antarctic Black Lichen
Black Lichen forms deeply cracked, rosette-like crusts anchored directly onto wind-scoured Antarctic bedrock. Its dark grey and black thallus absorbs solar radiation efficiently, warming the organism several degrees above the freezing polar air to allow photosynthesis during brief summer thaws. Capable of surviving extreme desiccation, intense ultraviolet radiation, and freezing temperatures, this resilient crustose species can endure for centuries in one of Earth's harshest climates.
ExtremophileCrustoseAntarctic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthetic (symbiotic green algae generate sugars via solar energy)
Predators
- Antarctic mites
- Springtails
ThreatsClimate warming, physical trampling, and localized human disturbance from scientific bases
HabitatsExposed Antarctic bedrock, nunataks, scree slopes, and ice-free coastal rocks
Life spanCenturies to over 1,000 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCaliciaceae
- SpeciesBuellia frigida
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.
- What to notice
- Look for dark grey to black crustose patches with deep radiating cracks on exposed polar boulders.
- Support conservation
- Observe from a respectful distance without stepping on encrusted rocks or disturbing sensitive research areas.
Responsible observation
- Watch your step: Avoid walking on lichen-covered Antarctic rocks because physical damage can take centuries to heal.
- Scan sunny rocks: Look for dark polygonal crusts on wind-swept boulders and nunataks during Antarctic excursions.
- Observe up close: Use a hand lens to inspect the intricate radiating fissures and raised lobes without touching.
Co-Occurring Lichen Jason Hollinger (original photograph), Papa Lima Whiskey (derivative edit) / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Rock Competitor (c) Jeffrey Lee (he/him/his), some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Congener Ecological Neighbor
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