Lichenopeltella heppiae

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Lichenopeltella heppiae is a rare fungus that lives on another lichen, Heppia despreauxii. It was described in 2012 by Dutch lichenologist Pieter van den Boom. The type specimen came from the Algarve region of Portugal, northeast of Albufeira, growing on Heppia despreauxii. The name heppiae comes from its host.

This fungus is usually found on the thallus and fruiting bodies of its host and is considered host-specific.

Appearance: It forms small black, round structures (ascomata) about 100–150 micrometers wide. The spore-producing cells (asci) are eight-spored and measure about 35–55 by 15–18 micrometers. The ascospores are clear and club-shaped, with one septum, about 14–17 by 5.5–7 micrometers, and have three pairs of curved bristles at the tip. Pycnidia have not been seen.

Relationship: Lichenopeltella heppiae is closest to Lichenopeltella arctomiae, but it has shorter spores (roughly 14–17 micrometers long versus 17–20 micrometers in L. arctomiae).

Distribution and habitat: So far, it has only been found at its type locality in the Algarve, Portugal. It grows abundantly on Heppia despreauxii on bare ground among low calcareous rocks. Other lichens in the area include Epiphloea terrena, Heppia echinulata, Heppia solorinoides, Squamarina cartilaginea, and Squamarina concrescens.