View source for Biology:Gyalolechia fulgens

{{Short description|Species of lichen}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Gyalolechia fulgens 261698586.jpg
| image_caption =
| taxon = Gyalolechia fulgens
| authority = (Sw.) Søchting, Frödén & Arup (2013)
| synonyms_ref = <ref name="Species Fungorum synonymy"/>
| synonyms = {{Collapsible list|bullets=on
|''Lichen fulgens'' {{au|Sw. (1784)}}
|''Parmelia fulgens'' {{au|(Sw.) Ach. (1803)}}
|''Placodium fulgens'' {{au|(Sw.) DC. (1805)}}
|''Lecanora fulgens'' {{au|(Sw.) Ach. (1810)}}
|''Patellaria fulgens'' {{au|(Sw.) Wallr. (1831)}}
|''Squamaria fulgens'' {{au|(Sw.) Hook. (1833)}}
|''Parmelia friabilis'' var. ''fulgens'' {{au|(Sw.) Schaer. (1840)}}
|''Biatora fulgens'' {{au|(Sw.) [[Biography:Elias Magnus Fries|Fr.]] (1845)}}
|''Lecanora friabilis'' var. ''fulgens'' {{au|(Sw.) Rabenh. (1845)}}
|''Zeora fulgens'' {{au|(Sw.) Flot. (1849)}}
|''Psoroma fulgens'' {{au|(Sw.) A.Massal. (1852)}}
|''Caloplaca fulgens'' {{au|(Sw.) Zahlbr. (1903)}}
|''Fulgensia fulgens'' {{au|(Sw.) Elenkin (1907)}}
}}
}}

'''''Gyalolechia fulgens''''', the '''scrambled egg lichen''', is a species of terricolous (ground-dwelling), squamulose lichen in the family [[Biology:Teloschistaceae|Teloschistaceae]].<ref name="CoL"/> The lichen comprises overlapping, slightly {{lichengloss|pruinose}} lemon-yellow scales with a {{lichengloss|lobe|lobed}} margin. It grows on highly [[Earth:Calcareous|calcareous]] substrates such as [[Earth:Chalk|chalk]], [[Earth:Limestone|limestone]] and shell sand, often in association with the [[Biology:Moss|moss]] species ''Trichostomum crispulum''.

==Taxonomy==
The species was first [[Biology:Species description|formally described]] by the Swedish taxonomist [[Biography:Olof Swartz|Olof Swartz]] in 1784, as ''Lichen fulgens''.<ref name="Swartz 1784"/> In its long [[Biology:Taxonomy|taxonomic]] history, it has been proposed for inclusion in several genera, including ''[[Biology:Biatora|Biatora]]'', ''[[Biology:Caloplaca|Caloplaca]]'', ''[[Biology:Fulgensia|Fulgensia]]'', and ''[[Biology:Lecanora|Lecanora]]'', among others.<ref name="Species Fungorum synonymy"/> It was transferred to the genus ''[[Biology:Gyalolechia|Gyalolechia]]'' in 2013 by Ulrik Søchting and colleagues, as part of a [[Biology:Molecular phylogenetics|molecular phylogenetics]]-based restructuring of the Teloschistaceae.<ref name="Arup et al. 2013"/> Its [[Biology:Common name|common name]], "scrambled egg lichen'", alludes to its overlapping yellow scales with white margins. The [[Biology:Botanical name|species epithet]] {{lang|la|fulgens}} is [[Social:Latin|Latin]] for "shining". Another vernacular name is "yellow ground lichen".<ref name="Jarvis 2019"/>

==Description==
[[File:Fulgensia fulgens Plouharnel 2010-01-16.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.8|growing on moss]]
''Gyalolechia fulgens'' has a distinctive appearance and colouration, which makes it readily identifiable.<ref name="Lichens of Wales"/> The body of the lichen, known as the [[Biology:Thallus|thallus]], typically spans between 1 and 3&nbsp;cm in diameter. It has a vibrant orange-yellow to whitish hue and forms a [[Biology:Rosette (botany)|rosette]]-like shape, though it can also appear irregular and fragmented. The thallus is somewhat {{lichengloss|placodioid}} in form, meaning it has a crust-like centre with outwardly radiating {{lichengloss|lobes}}. The marginal lobes of the thallus are neatly defined and usually longer than they are broad, often exceeding 1&nbsp;mm in width. These lobes tend to remain distinct or may overlap, particularly towards the centre. As the lichen ages, the central area often develops a {{lichengloss|verrucose}}-{{lichengloss|bullate}} texture—characterised by wart-like protrusions—and becomes coarsely dusted with a pale, powdery substance known as {{lichengloss|pruina}}.<ref name="Gilbert 2009"/>

{{lichengloss|Schizidia}}, which are specialised scale-like reproductive [[Biology:Propagule|propagule]]s, are variably present on the surface of ''Gyalolechia fulgens''. In many populations, part of the thallus surface is dedicated to the production of these structures. When schizidia are shed, they reveal the underlying white [[Biology:Medulla (lichenology)|medulla]], which is the inner layer of the thallus.<ref name="Gilbert 2009"/>

Apothecia, the spore-producing structures, are often found on this lichen. They are small, measuring 0.5 to 1.5&nbsp;mm in diameter. Initially concave with a {{lichengloss|thalline exciple}} (a rim-like structure surrounding the apothecia), they become convex over time, with the margin appearing more or less excluded. The deep orange colour of the apothecia contrasts with the paler colour of the thallus. The {{lichengloss|ascospores}} of ''Gyalolechia fulgens'' measure 9 to 12 by 3.5 to 5&nbsp;[[Micrometre|μm]] and are typically either non-[[Biology:Septum|septate]] (without divisions) or one-septate (with a single division). They come in various shapes: [[Ellipsoid|ellipsoid]] (oval), {{lichengloss|pyriform}} (pear-shaped), or {{lichengloss|clavate}} (club-shaped).<ref name="Gilbert 2009"/>

Chemical [[Chemistry:Spot test (lichen)|spot tests]] yield specific reactions that are characteristic of this species. A [[Chemistry:Potassium hydroxide|potassium hydroxide]] (K) test turns the thallus purple, indicating the presence of the [[Biology:Secondary metabolite|secondary metabolite]]s (lichen products) [[Chemistry:Parietin|parietin]] and its precursor, [[Chemistry:Emodin|emodin]]. Under [[Physics:Ultraviolet|ultraviolet]] light, the thallus shows a dull, pale orange colour due to the presence of fragilin and caloploicin. The apothecia also turn purple with the K test, indicative of physcion.<ref name="Gilbert 2009"/>

==Habitat and distribution==
[[File:Trichostomum crispulum (a, 144642-474722) 1648.JPG|thumb|right|The moss ''Trichostomum crispulum'' is a frequent associate of ''Gyalolechia fulgens''.]]
''Gyalolechia fulgens'' is typically found in environments that are well-lit and offer well-drained, basic {{lichengloss|substrates}}. This lichen thrives on stable and firm surfaces such as chalk [[Earth:Grassland|grassland]]s and compacted shell-sand. It is frequently found in warm and sheltered locations that are still open to the elements, favouring sites that are close to sea level. These habitats are often adjacent to [[Earth:Dune|dune]]s. A notable aspect of the habitat of ''Gyalolechia fulgens'' is its association with certain [[Biology:Moss|moss]] species, particularly ''Trichostomum crispulum''.<ref name="Gilbert 2009"/>

Geographically, ''Gyalolechia fulgens'' has a wide distribution. It is found across Europe and is widespread in the warmer regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The lichen is also present in Australia and New Zealand, indicating its adaptability to various climatic conditions within these regions. In the United Kingdom, it is considered rare.<ref name="Gilbert 2009"/> In Wales, it seems to be restricted to coastal areas. ''Gyalolechia fulgens'' belongs to a group of specialised lichens that thrive in highly open environments that typically feature areas of exposed soil and often include small rock [[Earth:Outcrop|outcrop]]s. These settings are characterised by minimal competition from larger, [[Biology:Vascular plant|vascular plant]]s, allowing these lichens the space and resources they need to grow.<ref name="Lichens of Wales"/> ''Gyalolechia fulgens'' is a prominent component of the [[Biology:Biological soil crust|biological soil crust]] lichen community of the Negev desert, and is particularly common on north-west facing slopes and interdunes.<ref name="Russow et al. 2005"/> In North America, it is found in the interior of the continent with a range extending north to the Arctic.<ref name="Brodo 2016"/>

==Species interactions==
''Lichenochora epifulgens'' is a lichenicolous fungus that [[Earth:Parasitism|parasitises]] ''Gyalolechia fulgens''.<ref name="Diederich et al. 2018"/>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em|refs=

<ref name="Arup et al. 2013">{{cite journal |last1=Arup |first1=Ulf |last2=Søchting |first2=Ulrik |last3=Frödén |first3=Patrik |title=A new taxonomy of the family Teloschistaceae |journal=Nordic Journal of Botany |volume=31 |issue=1 |year=2013 |pages=16–83 |doi=10.1111/j.1756-1051.2013.00062.x}}</ref>

<ref name="Brodo 2016">{{Cite book |last=Brodo |first=Irwin M. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/927391072 |title=Keys to Lichens of North America: Revised and Expanded |year=2016 |others=Sylvia Duran Sharnoff, Stephen Sharnoff, Susan Laurie-Bourque |isbn=978-0-300-19573-6 |edition=Revised and expanded |publisher=Yale University Press |location=New Haven |oclc=927391072 |page=47}}</ref>

<ref name="CoL">{{Catalogue of Life |id=3HNTH |title=''Gyalolechia fulgens'' (Sw.) Søchting, Frödén & Arup |access-date=26 January 2023}}</ref>

<ref name="Diederich et al. 2018">{{cite journal |last1=Diederich |first1=Paul |last2=Lawrey |first2=James D. |last3=Ertz |first3=Damien |title=The 2018 classification and checklist of lichenicolous fungi, with 2000 non-lichenized, obligately lichenicolous taxa |journal=The Bryologist |volume=121 |issue=3 |year=2018 |pages=340–425 [384] |doi=10.1639/0007-2745-121.3.340 |s2cid=92396850 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328374342}}</ref>

<ref name="Gilbert 2009">{{cite book |title=The Lichens of Great Britain and Ireland |edition=2nd |editor-last1=Smith |editor-first1=C.W. |editor-last2=Aptroot |editor-first2=A. |editor-last3=Coppins |editor-first3=B.J. |editor-last4=Fletcher |editor-first4=F. |editor-last5=Gilbert |editor-first5=O.L. |editor-last6=James |editor-first6=P.W. |editor-last7=Wolselely |editor-first7=P.A. |year=2009 |chapter=''Fulgensia'' A. Massal. & De Not. (1853) |last=Gilbert |first=O.L. |location=London |publisher=The Natural History Museum |isbn=978-0-9540418-8-5 |page=406}}</ref>

<ref name="Jarvis 2019">{{cite book |last1=Jarvis |first1=Peter |title=The Pelagic Dictionary of Natural History of the British Isles |publisher=Pelagic Publishing |publication-place=Exeter |year=2019 |isbn=978-1-78427-194-7 |page=}}</ref>

<ref name="Russow et al. 2005">{{cite journal |last1=Russow |first1=Rolf |last2=Veste |first2=Maik |last3=Böhme |first3=Frank |title=A natural 15 N approach to determine the biological fixation of atmospheric nitrogen by biological soil crusts of the Negev Desert |journal=Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry |volume=19 |issue=23 |year=2005 |doi=10.1002/rcm.2214 |pages=3451–3456|pmid=16261635 |bibcode=2005RCMS...19.3451R }}</ref>

<ref name="Species Fungorum synonymy">{{cite web |title=Synonymy. Current Name: ''Gyalolechia fulgens'' (Sw.) Søchting, Frödén & Arup, in Arup, Søchting & Frödén, Nordic Jl Bot. 31(1): 70 (2013) |url=https://www.speciesfungorum.org/GSD/GSDspecies.asp?RecordID=802215 |publisher=Species Fungorum |access-date=26 January 2023}}</ref>

<ref name="Swartz 1784">{{cite journal |last1=Swartz |first1=O. |year=1784 |title=Musci in Suecia nunc primum reperti ac descripti |journal=Nova Acta Regiae Societatis Scientiarum Upsaliensis |volume=4 |pages=239–251 |url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/54407953}}</ref>

<ref name="Lichens of Wales">{{cite web |title=''Fulgensia fulgens'' |website=Lichens of Wales |publisher=[[Organization:British Lichen Society|British Lichen Society]] |url=https://wales-lichens.org.uk/species-account/fulgensia-fulgens |access-date=26 January 2024}}</ref>

}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q26260500 |from2=Q59504718 |from3=Q1473589 |from4=Q105486982 |from5=Q107915049}}

[[Category:Teloschistales]]
[[Category:Lichen species]]

{{Sourceattribution|Gyalolechia fulgens}}