Lichens : Ostropales : StictidaceaeLichens

Absconditella delutula (Nyl.) Coppins & H.Kilias

Description: This is a tiny white-fruited, crustose species that occurs on damp shady banks and on stones and pebbles by tracks near standing water. The fruits are short-lived and seasonal. Being such an insignificant species, it is almost certainly under-recorded in Ireland where it should be looked for in suitable habitats, especially in the west.

Key Identification Features:

  • Extremely minute (to 0.2mm diam. at best), rather translucent, jelly-like fruits that are off white, growing on stable pebbles in shady places
  • Microscopic examination will be necessary for ephemeral species such as this.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Absconditella delutula at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

 Giavarini, Vince J., Simms, Michael J., & Davey, Simon, 2026. Absconditella delutula. (Nyl.) Coppins & H.Kilias. [In] Lichen Ireland.
https://www.habitas.org.uk/lichenireland/species.php?item=19266. Accessed on 2026-11-12.