Alectoriaceae

Alectoriaceae is a family of lichen-forming fungi in the order Lecanorales. This family was first described in 1986 by Josef Hafellner and Victor John. The name Alectoriaceae is derived from the Greek word "alector," meaning rooster, likely referring to the somewhat feathery or comb-like appearance of some species within the family. Members of Alectoriaceae are found worldwide, though they are particularly prevalent in temperate and boreal regions.

The thallus morphology of Alectoriaceae species is diverse, ranging from fruticose, where the lichen body is shrubby and erect or pendulous, to foliose, with leaf-like lobes. The most common genus within this family is *Alectoria*, known for its hanging, hair-like or string-like thalli, often found on trees. Other genera include *Bryoria*, which typically forms bushy, grey or blackish thalli, and *Usnea*, characterized by its stringy, pendulous thalli often referred to as "old man's beard." The reproductive structures, apothecia, are typically lecanorine, meaning the exciple is apothecial in appearance. The ascospores are generally simple, hyaline, and ellipsoid. Alectoriaceae species play roles in various ecosystems, providing habitat and food for some invertebrates. Historically, some species have been used in traditional medicine or as indicators of air quality due to their sensitivity to pollution.