Incertae sedis Muellerella pygmaea Growth type lichenicolous fungus Photographs in apothecia of Rinodina oleae and Rinodina sophodes Usually found on crustose saxicolous lichens, including Lecidea, Porpidia, Rhizocarpon and Aspicilia species. The small, subglobose black perithecia are almost completely superficial on the host, the ostiole sometimes sunken. Asci with 16-64 spores, the spores greenish-brown becoming dark brown, (7.5-)8-10(-13.5) x (3.5-)4-5(-6) µm. Micrographs below. Similar: Muellerella erratica, asci usually with ca 64 slightly smaller spores, (5.5-)6-7 x 3-3.5 µm. Muellerella lichenicola, asci with 64-100 spores

Micrographs





Muellerella pygmaea
Photographs: On Rinidina oleae and Rinodina sophodes. Broadstone, Dorset. December 2023, January 2024