Description: This is a ‘bark-pimple’ species with black, spherical discs (perithecia). It is not difficult to recognise. In A. analepta the pimple-like discs exceed 0.4mm diam. so are well within the range of the naked eye and grow on a shiny-surfaced thallus which, on oak and hazel, is frequently brown. It is commonly found on small, smooth, branches 2-10cm diam., but the single most important feature is the presence of a dark, shadowy halo surrounding the base of the disc. It does not scratch orange. It is widespread in Ireland.

Key Identification Features:

• Shiny, thin, brown, thallus, on small branches (especially oak), discs >0.4mm diam.
• Dark halo spreading outwards from the base of the disc, like a stain.

Original text submitted by Simon Davey

Distribution Map from NBN: Arthopyrenia analepta at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Arthopyrenia analepta at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.