Description: A tricky species for beginners, M. atroides most closely resembles Opegrapha atra in the whitish thallus and small slit-like discs. However, the K+ orange thallus and one-septate spores distinguish it. In Ireland, M. atroides is known only from Counties Kerry, Galway and Donegal. Search for it on hazel.

Key Identification Features:

• Thallus white, K+ orange with small slits for discs; spores one-septate, sole-shaped
• On hazel with a rich crustose lichen flora: western Atlantic woodland.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Melaspilea atroides at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.