A revision of the lichen genus Lepratia s.lat in Italy

The results of a thorough revision based on the morphological and chemical analysis of 885 Italian specimens attributed to the lichen genus Lepraria s.lat. are presented. Sixteen species of Lepraria s.str., Botryolepraria lesdainii and Lecanora rouxii are confirmed as belonging to the Italian lichen flora, and further two species (L. borealis, L. elobata) are added. For each species, critical data on the chemistry, ecology and distribution in the main phyto-climatical regions of the country are given. The new combination Lepraria alpina (de Lesd.) Tretiach & Baruffo is proposed for the lichen previously known as L. cacuminum (A.Massal.) Lohtander, Lepra plumbeo-virescens Jatta is reduced to synonymy with Lepraria lob ficans, and L. tonsbergiana Bayerova & Kukwa with L. jackii. Neotypes are selected for Lepraria alpina, Lepra plumbeo-virescens and Crocynia henrici. Two identification keys to European species are provided, the former based on chemical data, the latter on thallus morphology and chemical spot tests. The results of a statistical analysis on the ecology and distribution of the listed species in Italy are presented.