An easily recognisable, squamulose species consisting of grey-brown squamules (green-brown when wet) that are sit rooftile-wise against the substratum. The squamules are small and convex, with the apex turned upwards and covered in paler soredia. The apothecia are relatively large, and are black with grey-pruinose discs.
Thallus: C+ red, K-. Medulla: UV+ white
Hypocenomyce scalaris is widespread throughout Scotland and commonly found on the lower part of the trunks of acid-barked trees like Scots pine and larch, stumps of dead trees and fenceposts. BLS distribution map
scottishlichens.co.uk 