Description: Formally placed in Catapyrenium, the thallus of this calcareous, soil-inhabiting species is composed of loosely attached squamules (to 6mm across) in which are embedded the spherical discs (perithecia). P. pilosellum is distinguished by the colourless hairs (hyphal extensions) that project from the lobe margins of the squamules (a lens may be required to see). It occurs on mossy calcareous soils near the coast. In Ireland, records for this species are few; mostly from the midland counties.

Key Identification Features:

• Hair-like hyphal extensions clothe the edges of the lobes (best seen on young material)
• Dunes and short calcareous turf, coastal.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Placidium pilosellum at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.