Family: Dactylosporaceae Species: Sclerococcum parasiticum Lichenicolous fungus, photographs on Pertusaria pertusa Photos: Killarney NP, Co. Kerry, SW Ireland. Small black apothecia with thin margins occur on the thalli and apothecia of the host. Reddish-brown epithecial layer, asci 8-spored and surrounded by a thick gelatinous layer. Spores dark brown when mature, 1-3 septate, (9-)11.5-12.5(-16) x 3.5-4.5 µm and with rounded ends. Pycnidia unknown. Micrograph below. Occurs on the thalli and apothecia of Ochrolechia species, and also recorded on Pertusaria s.l. (Lepra and Pertusaria). Similar: Sclerococcum parellarium also occurs on Ochrolechia species but has 1-septate spores

Micrograph

Sclerococcum parasiticum. August 2024