The Arthoniaceae are a family of lichenized, lichenicolous and saprobic fungi in the order Arthoniales. The Arthoniaceae is the largest family of Arthoniales, with around 800 species. Most species in Arthoniaceae belong in Arthonia which is the largest genus with 500 species. The second and third largest genus is Arthothelium with 80 species, and Cryptothecia with 60 species.
Arthoniaceae
Herbarium specimen of Arthonia radiata (magnified 40x) showing roughly star-shaped clusters of ascomata. Found growing on the bark of red oak.
The Arthoniales is the second largest order of mainly crustose lichens, but fruticose lichens are present as well. The order contains around 1500 species, while the largest order with lichenized fungi, the Lecanorales, contains more than 14000 species.
Arthoniales
Bactrospora brevispora, shown here growing on a cypress stump, is one of many taxa of uncertain familial placement in the Arthoniales.