Description: This lichen begins life as a parasite of Cladonia lichens especially C. pocillum or C. rangiformis. It may be found growing on dunes and heaths but is most often observed on wall tops. As the sandy to pale grey thallus which can grow to become 2-4cm patches begins to get established on Cladonia squamules, so it takes on a rather warted appearance. The crater-like, frosted discs (to 2mm diam.) are only slightly expanded unlike the more vigorous D. scruposus (described elsewhere). Throughout Ireland.

Key Identification Features:

• Begins to show first as a parasite on the squamules of Cladonia species
• Once established the grey, warted thallus develops frosted discs only slightly expanded. Wall tops mostly.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Diploschistes muscorum at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.