vs

Rhizocarpon richardii compared with Rhizocarpon umbilicatum

Key Differences

• is Least Concern while is Critically Endangered.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank
Kingdom same	Fungi (Pilze)	Fungi (Pilze)
Phylum same	Ascomycota (Schlauchpilze)	Ascomycota (Schlauchpilze)
Class same	Lecanoromycetes (Lecanoromycetes)	Lecanoromycetes (Lecanoromycetes)
Order same	Rhizocarpales (Rhizocarpales)	Rhizocarpales (Rhizocarpales)
Family same	Rhizocarpaceae	Rhizocarpaceae
Genus same	Rhizocarpon	Rhizocarpon
Species	Rhizocarpon richardii	Rhizocarpon umbilicatum

Evolutionary Relationship

and share a common ancestor at the Genus level: Rhizocarpon.

Conservation Status

LC — Least Concern

CR — Critically Endangered

Physical Characteristics

Attribute
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Habitat

Native to Europe and North America, inhabiting ecosystems characteristic of the region.

Range

Distributed across Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and United States.

Habitat

Found across multiple habitat types including temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, temperate coniferous forests, and boreal forests and taiga, among 5 distinct biome types within the Palearctic biogeographic realm. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

Range

Distributed across Denmark, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden. Currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Rhizocarpon richardii is a crustose lichen that forms tightly adhered patches on siliceous rocks, typically displaying a pale greenish-grey to yellowish thallus divided by a dark prothallus. It inhabits exposed rocky outcrops, cliff faces, and boulders in montane and alpine zones across Europe and beyond. This saxicolous species is highly sensitive to atmospheric pollution.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 3 countries:

🇩🇰 Denmark 🇳🇴 Norway 🇸🇪 Sweden