Lichen-forming fungi of the genus Montanelia in Poland and their potential distribution in Central Europe

This paper presents the results of studies concerning the distribution and habitat requirements of two species of Montanelia (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota) in Central Europe. Morphological and chemical analyses of herbarium material confirmed the presence of two species in Poland: M. disjuncta and M. sorediata. These species are relatively rare in the country and occur predominantly in mountainous and upland areas. Due to their morphological similarity, both species are difficult to identify and are also often confused with brown species of Xanthoparmelia. Collection localities and bioclimatic variables were used to develop MaxEnt models of the potential geographical distribution of the studied species in Central Europe. The species distribution model of M disjuncta indicated mountains as the most suitable habitats, especially the eastern and western Carpathians and the Sudetes, as well as the eastern part of the Alps. The highest potential distribution of M. sorediata is larger than that of M disjuncta and also includes the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, and the Podolian and Malopolska Uplands. The least potential distribution of both discussed species was found in the German Lowlands. The potential distribution in both models was strongly influenced by precipitation-related variables.