Letharia vulpina (L.) Hue
Nouv. Arch. Mus., sér. 4, 1: 57, 1899. Basionym: Lichen vulpinus L. - Sp. Pl., 2: 1155, 1753.
Synonyms: Chlorea vulpina (L.) Nyl.; Evernia vulpina (L.) Ach.; Parmelia vulpina (L.) Ach.
Description: Thallus fruticose, attached with a basal holdfast, bushy when young to subpendent when well-developed, bright lemon- to sulphur yellow, to 20 cm long (usually much less), irregularly branched, the main branches up to 4 mm wide, angular, often foveolate, the secondary branches thinner, subulate, often forked. Isidia diffuse, granular-sorediose to cylindrical, generally dense, usually developing from cracks on the angles and ridges, where the cortex has degenerated. Cortex c. 40-60 µm thick, filled with yellowish crystals soluble in K, of anticlinally arranged, thick-walled hyphae; medulla white, arachnoid with medullary strands which are thinner in the upper branches, thicker and fusing into a single strand near the base; cell walls with the Cetraria-type lichenan. Apothecia very rare, lecanorine, to 8 mm across, with a brown disc and short marginal projections on the thalline margin. Epithecium brown; hymenium and hypothecium colourless. Asci 8-spored, clavate, the K/I+ blue tholus penetrated by a faintly amyloid apical cushion with parallel or diverging flanks, the wall K/I-, surrounded by a K/I+ blue outer layer, Lecanora-type. Ascospores 1-celled, hyaline, ellipsoid, 5-8 x 4-5 µm. Pycnidia rare, slightly projecting, black. Conidia sublageniform, (7-)8-9 x c. 1 µm. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Spot tests: cortex and medulla K-, C-, KC-, P-. Chemistry: cortex with vulpinic acid and atranorin; apothecia (hymenium) with norstictic acid.
Growth form: Fruticose
Substrata: bark
Photobiont: green algae other than Trentepohlia
Reproductive strategy: mainly asexual, by soredia, or soredia-like structures (e.g. blastidia)
Commonnes-rarity: (info)
Alpine belt: absent
Subalpine belt: rather common
Montane belt: absent
Dry submediterranean belt: absent
Humid submediterranean belt: absent
Padanian area: absent
pH of the substrata:
1 2 3 4 5
Solar irradiation:
1 2 3 4 5
Aridity:
1 2 3 4 5
Eutrophication:
1 2 3 4 5
Poleotolerance:
0 1 2 3
Altitudinal distribution:
1 2 3 4 5 6
Rarity
absent
extremely rare
very rare
rare
rather rare
rather common
common
very common
extremely common
Loading data...
Occurrence data
Predictive map
Current prediction (1981-2010)
Future prediction (2071-2100) SSP 1-2.6
Future prediction (2071-2100) SSP 5-8.5Predictive maps according to Francesconi et al. 2025
Leif Stridvall - Source: http://www.stridvall.se/la/galleries.php
P.L. Nimis; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Herbarium: TSB (5256)
2002/02/24
P.L. Nimis; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Herbarium: TSB (5652)
2002/02/24
soredia
P.L. Nimis; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Herbarium: TSB (37028)
2008.02.28
P.L. Nimis; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Herbarium: TSB (37028)
2008.02.28
P.L. Nimis; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Herbarium: TSB (37028)
2008.02.28
Jessica Bonazzi; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Italy, Veneto, Belluno, Casera Razzo, lariceta presso la malga, ca. 1700 m
2008.08.27
Jessica Bonazzi; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Italy, Veneto, Belluno, Casera Razzo, lariceta presso la malga, ca. 1700 m
2008.08.27
Jessica Bonazzi; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Italy, Veneto, Belluno, Casera Razzo, lariceta presso la malga, ca. 1700 m
2008.08.27
Jessica Bonazzi; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Italy, Veneto, Belluno, Casera Razzo, lariceta presso la malga, ca. 1700 m
2008.08.27
Jessica Bonazzi; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Italy, Veneto, Belluno, Casera Razzo, lariceta presso la malga, ca. 1700 m
2008.08.27
Paolo Fontanesi; Owner: Paolo Fontanesi
Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Trento, Val di Genova, tra la Presanella e l'Adamello.
Herbarium: Forum Natura Mediterraneo
2010
Paolo Fontanesi; Owner: Paolo Fontanesi
Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Trento, Val di Genova, tra la Presanella e l'Adamello.
Herbarium: Forum Natura Mediterraneo
2010
Juri Nascimbene - CC BY-SA 4.0
Paneveggio, Reg. Trentino-Alto Adige Prov. Trento, Italy.
2009
Juri Nascimbene - CC BY-SA 4.0
Stelvio National Park, Reg. Trentino-Alto Adige Prov. Trento, Italy.
07.2005
Juri Nascimbene - CC BY-SA 4.0
Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Bolzano/Bozen, Val Mazia
2017
Juri Nascimbene - CC BY-SA 4.0; Owner: ITALIC - Dyades Project - Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Bolzano/Bozen, Sciliar/Schlern
2007
Leif Stridvall
Courtesy: Anita Stridvall
Leif Stridvall
Courtesy: Anita Stridvall
Leif Stridvall
Courtesy: Anita Stridvall
Leif Stridvall
Courtesy: Anita Stridvall
Leif Stridvall
Courtesy: Anita Stridvall
Giulio Pandeli
Italy
Giulio Pandeli
Italy
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Vulpinsäurekristall (rekristallisiert in einer Lösung aus Glyzerin und Eisessig ["GE"]; links: Differentialinterferenzkontrast, rechts: Polarisationslicht):
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Vulpinsäurekristalle (rekristallisiert in einer Lösung aus Glyzerin und Eisessig ["GE"]; oben: Differentialinterferenzkontrast, unten: Polarisationslicht)
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Vulpinsäurekristalle (rekristallisiert in einer Lösung aus Glyzerin und Eisessig ["GE"]; Differentialinterferenzkontrast):
Courtesy Danièle et Olivier Gonnet - Source: https://www.afl-lichenologie.fr/Photos_AFL/Photos_AFL_L/Letharia_vulpina.htm
France, Névache - Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
7/6/2016
Courtesy Danièle et Olivier Gonnet - Source: https://www.afl-lichenologie.fr/Photos_AFL/Photos_AFL_L/Letharia_vulpina.htm
France, Névache - Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
7/6/2016
Courtesy Danièle et Olivier Gonnet - Source: https://www.afl-lichenologie.fr/Photos_AFL/Photos_AFL_L/Letharia_vulpina.htm
France, Névache - Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
7/6/2016
Courtesy Danièle et Olivier Gonnet - Source: https://www.afl-lichenologie.fr/Photos_AFL/Photos_AFL_L/Letharia_vulpina.htm
France, Névache - Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
7/6/2016
Ulrich Kirschbaum CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: https://www.thm.de/lse/ulrich-kirschbaum/flechtenbilder
Austria: Alps.
Wolfgang von Brackel - CC BY-4.0
Switzerland
Wolfgang von Brackel - CC BY-4.0
Switzerland
Wolfgang von Brackel - CC BY-4.0
Switzerland
Collezione lichenologica Abramo Massalongo del Museo di Storia Naturale G. Ligabue di Venezia - Autori: Seggi, Linda; Trabucco, Raffaella Proprietà: Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia - CC BY-NC
Austria, Steiermark, E Styria misit Welwic.
as Evernia vulpina
Felix Schumm - CC BY 4.0
[VZ1072], Maroccanum Regnum. Atlas Medius. Mischliffen, prope
oppidum Azrou, 2000 m. In silva Cedrorum, ad truncos Cedri atlanticae.
Leg. W. L. Culberson (no. 15110) et C. F. Culberson, 28.5.1971.
EX A. VEZDA LICHENES SELECTI EXSICCATI NR. 1072.
Felix Schumm - CC BY 4.0
[VZ1072], Maroccanum Regnum. Atlas Medius. Mischliffen, prope
oppidum Azrou, 2000 m. In silva Cedrorum, ad truncos Cedri atlanticae.
Leg. W. L. Culberson (no. 15110) et C. F. Culberson, 28.5.1971.
EX A. VEZDA LICHENES SELECTI EXSICCATI NR. 1072.
Growth form: Fruticose
Substrata: bark
Photobiont: green algae other than Trentepohlia
Reproductive strategy: mainly asexual, by soredia, or soredia-like structures (e.g. blastidia)
Commonnes-rarity: (info)
Alpine belt: absent
Subalpine belt: rather common
Montane belt: absent
Dry submediterranean belt: absent
Humid submediterranean belt: absent
Padanian area: absent
pH of the substrata:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Solar irradiation:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Aridity:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Eutrophication:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Poleotolerance:
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Altitudinal distribution:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Rarity
absent
extremely rare
very rare
rare
rather rare
rather common
common
very common
extremely common
Loading data...
Occurrence data
Predictive map
Current prediction (1981-2010)Future prediction (2071-2100) SSP 1-2.6Future prediction (2071-2100) SSP 5-8.5Predictive maps according to Francesconi et al. 2025
Leif Stridvall - Source: http://www.stridvall.se/la/galleries.php
P.L. Nimis; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Herbarium: TSB (5256)
2002/02/24
P.L. Nimis; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Herbarium: TSB (5652)
2002/02/24
soredia
P.L. Nimis; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Herbarium: TSB (37028)
2008.02.28
P.L. Nimis; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Herbarium: TSB (37028)
2008.02.28
P.L. Nimis; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Herbarium: TSB (37028)
2008.02.28
Jessica Bonazzi; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Italy, Veneto, Belluno, Casera Razzo, lariceta presso la malga, ca. 1700 m
2008.08.27
Jessica Bonazzi; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Italy, Veneto, Belluno, Casera Razzo, lariceta presso la malga, ca. 1700 m
2008.08.27
Jessica Bonazzi; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Italy, Veneto, Belluno, Casera Razzo, lariceta presso la malga, ca. 1700 m
2008.08.27
Jessica Bonazzi; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Italy, Veneto, Belluno, Casera Razzo, lariceta presso la malga, ca. 1700 m
2008.08.27
Jessica Bonazzi; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Italy, Veneto, Belluno, Casera Razzo, lariceta presso la malga, ca. 1700 m
2008.08.27
Paolo Fontanesi; Owner: Paolo Fontanesi
Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Trento, Val di Genova, tra la Presanella e l'Adamello.
Herbarium: Forum Natura Mediterraneo
2010
Paolo Fontanesi; Owner: Paolo Fontanesi
Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Trento, Val di Genova, tra la Presanella e l'Adamello.
Herbarium: Forum Natura Mediterraneo
2010
Juri Nascimbene - CC BY-SA 4.0
Paneveggio, Reg. Trentino-Alto Adige Prov. Trento, Italy.
2009
Juri Nascimbene - CC BY-SA 4.0
Stelvio National Park, Reg. Trentino-Alto Adige Prov. Trento, Italy.
07.2005
Juri Nascimbene - CC BY-SA 4.0
Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Bolzano/Bozen, Val Mazia
2017
Juri Nascimbene - CC BY-SA 4.0; Owner: ITALIC - Dyades Project - Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Bolzano/Bozen, Sciliar/Schlern
2007
Leif Stridvall
Courtesy: Anita Stridvall
Leif Stridvall
Courtesy: Anita Stridvall
Leif Stridvall
Courtesy: Anita Stridvall
Leif Stridvall
Courtesy: Anita Stridvall
Leif Stridvall
Courtesy: Anita Stridvall
Giulio Pandeli
Italy
Giulio Pandeli
Italy
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Vulpinsäurekristall (rekristallisiert in einer Lösung aus Glyzerin und Eisessig ["GE"]; links: Differentialinterferenzkontrast, rechts: Polarisationslicht):
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Vulpinsäurekristalle (rekristallisiert in einer Lösung aus Glyzerin und Eisessig ["GE"]; oben: Differentialinterferenzkontrast, unten: Polarisationslicht)
Walter Obermayer CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: Lichens of Noricum - http://lichens-of-noricum.uni-graz.at/
Vulpinsäurekristalle (rekristallisiert in einer Lösung aus Glyzerin und Eisessig ["GE"]; Differentialinterferenzkontrast):
Courtesy Danièle et Olivier Gonnet - Source: https://www.afl-lichenologie.fr/Photos_AFL/Photos_AFL_L/Letharia_vulpina.htm
France, Névache - Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
7/6/2016
Courtesy Danièle et Olivier Gonnet - Source: https://www.afl-lichenologie.fr/Photos_AFL/Photos_AFL_L/Letharia_vulpina.htm
France, Névache - Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
7/6/2016
Courtesy Danièle et Olivier Gonnet - Source: https://www.afl-lichenologie.fr/Photos_AFL/Photos_AFL_L/Letharia_vulpina.htm
France, Névache - Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
7/6/2016
Courtesy Danièle et Olivier Gonnet - Source: https://www.afl-lichenologie.fr/Photos_AFL/Photos_AFL_L/Letharia_vulpina.htm
France, Névache - Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
7/6/2016
Ulrich Kirschbaum CC BY-SA 4.0 - Source: https://www.thm.de/lse/ulrich-kirschbaum/flechtenbilder
Austria: Alps.
Wolfgang von Brackel - CC BY-4.0
Switzerland
Wolfgang von Brackel - CC BY-4.0
Switzerland
Wolfgang von Brackel - CC BY-4.0
Switzerland
Collezione lichenologica Abramo Massalongo del Museo di Storia Naturale G. Ligabue di Venezia - Autori: Seggi, Linda; Trabucco, Raffaella Proprietà: Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia - CC BY-NC
Austria, Steiermark, E Styria misit Welwic.
as Evernia vulpina
Felix Schumm - CC BY 4.0
[VZ1072], Maroccanum Regnum. Atlas Medius. Mischliffen, prope oppidum Azrou, 2000 m. In silva Cedrorum, ad truncos Cedri atlanticae. Leg. W. L. Culberson (no. 15110) et C. F. Culberson, 28.5.1971. EX A. VEZDA LICHENES SELECTI EXSICCATI NR. 1072.
