Erioderma

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Erioderma is a group of lichens, which are partnerships between fungi and photosynthetic partners. It belongs to the family Pannariaceae and is often called mouse ears or felt lichens. These lichens are small and range in color from pale brown to olive-brown, with a fuzzy, leaf-like upper surface. Their photosynthetic partner is a cyanobacterium called Scytonema.

Most Erioderma species live in tropical Central and South America. Three species occur along the coasts of North America, usually growing on mossy branches in very humid places. All North American species are rare.

Erioderma can look similar to Pannaria, Leioderma, or small Peltigera, but they have a fuzzy upper surface and a smooth lower surface without veins, which helps distinguish them.

As of October 2021, 24 species are accepted in this genus.