Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.124805
Element CodeNLT0010820
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryFungus
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomFungi
PhylumAscomycota
ClassLecanoromycetes
OrderLecanorales
FamilyParmeliaceae
GenusFlavoparmelia
SynonymsParmelia caperata(L.) Ach.
Other Common Namesflavoparmelia lichen (EN) Flavoparmelia Lichen (EN)
Concept ReferenceEsslinger, T.L. and R.S. Egan. 1995. A sixth checklist of the lichen-forming, lichenicolous, and allied fungi of the continental United States and Canada. The Bryologist 98(4):467-549. As supplied by USDA, NRCS from The PLANTS database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA. Version: November 19, 1997.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2025-09-23
Change Date2015-10-02
Edition Date2025-09-23
Edition AuthorsMcDonald, L. (2000), rev. J.L. Allen (2025)
Threat ImpactUnknown
Range Extent>2,500,000 square km (greater than 1,000,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences> 300
Rank ReasonsThis lichen species inhabits trees and old wood, and sometimes rocks in open woodlands and roadsides. In North America, it occurs across most of the eastern United States and southern Canada, in portions of the southwest, and along the coast of California. It has been reported from every continent except Antarctica. With a large range extent, over 300 occurrences, and broad habitat preferences for abundant habitats, this species is considered secure.
Range Extent CommentsFlavoparmelia caperata is common and abundant throughout eastern North America from Newfoundland to Manitoba in Canada, south to Texas, and east to Florida in the United States (Brodo et al. 2001, CLH 2025). In western North America, it occurs in southwestern South Dakota, through western Texas and west to coastal California (Brodo et al. 2001, CLH 2025). Flavoparmelia caperata has been reported from every continent except Antarctica (CLH 2025). Range extent was estimated to be >2,500,000 square kilometers using herbarium specimens collected between 1985 and 2025 (GBIF 2025, RARECAT 2025).
Occurrences CommentsBy applying a 1 km separation distance to herbarium records documented between 1985 and 2025, it is estimated that there are >300 occurrences rangewide (GBIF 2025, RARECAT 2025).
Threat Impact CommentsAlthough threats are not widely documented, Flavoparmelia caperata is potentially threatened by logging. However, the overall impact is likely negligible given the species' broad range, large number of occurrences, and affinity for typically abundant habitats.