PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

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Scientific Name	Common Name	Global Rank	State Rank	Federal Status	WI Status

Gold-eye Lichen (Teloschistes chrysophthalmus)

State Status: SC

Federal Status: none

State Rank: S1

Global Rank: G4G5

Photo by Samuel Brinker

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Gold-eye Lichen (Teloschistes chrysophthalmus), a Wisconsin Special Concern lichen, is found on trees in a variety of habitats in southern Wisconsin, including dry ridges, old fields, and floodplain forests.

Identification

Gold-eye lichen is a fruticose lichen with bright orange apothecia, 1-4mm wide, and ciliate on margins and common on branch ends. The thallus is bright orange above and gray below, branched. The branches are flat with ridges paralleling margins, and tipped with cilia.

Distinguishing Characteristics and Similar Species

Xanthoria species can look like gold-eye but are more foliose, with a thallus that has clearly defined upper and lower surfaces and is less tufted.

Phenology and Reproduction

Phenology

Isidia and soredia are usually lacking. If present, these propagules are powdery or granular and may be found on the thallus middle, margins, or tips of lobes.

Habitat

Gold-eye lichen is found on trees in a variety of habitats in southern Wisconsin, including dry ridges, old fields, and floodplain forests.

Associated species include bur oak, black locust, and trembling aspen. This lichen is sensitive to air pollution.

Wildlife Action Plan

Associated Natural Communities and Ecological Landscapes

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Issues/Threats and Conservation Actions

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.

PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

Gold-eye Lichen (Teloschistes chrysophthalmus)

Rare Species & Natural Communities

Additional Resources

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