Description: Known only from west Donegal, O. frigida is rare in Ireland. It is a species of low vegetation on high moors and mountain tops. The white to pale grey thallus begins as a thin, granular crust which later develops curved spiny extensions which, from afar, can appear like thin strands of wax. Discs are rare, pale brown or red-brown with a thin rim.

Key Identification Features:

• Amongst vegetation on low windswept mountain summits; the grey granules of the thallus grow long, white thread-like spines splayed at the tip
• Often spreading to stony debris, mosses and other lichens.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

Distribution Map from NBN: Ochrolechia frigida f. frigida at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Ochrolechia frigida f. frigida at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.