PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

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

Treeflute (Menegazzia terebrata)

State Status: SC

Federal Status: none

State Rank: S1

Global Rank: G5

Photo by Einar Timdal

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Treeflute (Menegazzia terebrata), a Wisconsin Special Concern lichen, is found on tree bark in northern wet-mesic forests, often on white cedar.

Identification

Treeflute is a foliose lichen with apothecia usually absent. The thallus is light blue-green-gray with 1-2mm wide rounded lobes, inflated and tube-like, and distinctive large, round perforations in the upper surface. The lower surface is black, wrinkled, and without rhizines anchoring thallus to substrate.

Distinguishing Characteristics and Similar Species

The holes on the upper surface of the thallus make M terebrata very distinctive. Hypogymnia species also have a tube-like thallus, but if there are any perforations, they are on the lobe tips or axils. Cavernularia lichens are generally smaller and have perforations on the underside of the thallus.

Phenology and Reproduction

Phenology

Soredia occur in powdery masses toward the center of the upper thallus.

Habitat

Treeflute is found on bark in northern wet-mesic forests, often on white cedar

Often found on white cedar. Outside of Wisconsin, it is known to grow on birch, alder, and beech.

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

Treeflute (Menegazzia terebrata)

Rare Species & Natural Communities

Additional Resources

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