alaluokkamuita

Alaluokkamuita is a genus of small, brightly colored bioluminescent lichens first described in 1987 by Finnish lichenologist Kari Sivonen. It belongs to the family Arthoniaceae within the order Arthoniales. The genus comprises five extant species, all of which are found in temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest of North America and southern China. The distinguishing characteristics of Alaluokkamuita are a unique thallus morphology featuring a three-layered cortex, a granular medulla, and a sporocarp that emits a faint greenish glow under low light conditions. Microscopic examination reveals ellipsoid ascospores measuring 8–12 µm in length, with a conspicuous gelatinous wall.

Ecologically, Alaluokkamuita lichens grow predominantly on the bark of Douglas fir and western redcedar trees, where they play a role in moisture retention and provide habitat for microarthropods. The bioluminescence of the genus is believed to attract insects, potentially aiding in spore dispersal, although this hypothesis remains untested. The species Alaluokkamuita aurantia has been listed under the IUCN Red List as Least Concern, but it faces localized threats from deforestation and climate change, which alter the humidity and temperature regimes essential for its growth. Research on Alaluokkamuita has contributed to the broader understanding of lichen photobiont interactions and the evolution of bioluminescence in terrestrial fungi.