Daohugouthallus

Daohugouthallus
Temporal range: 168-152 Ma
Simplified sketch diagram of the D. ciliiferus fossil holotype.
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Lecanoromycetes
Family: Daohugouthallaceae
X.L.Wei, D.Ren & J.C.Wei (2022)
Genus: Daohugouthallus
Wang, Krings & Taylor (2010)
Species:
D. ciliiferus
Binomial name
Daohugouthallus ciliiferus
Wang, Krings & Taylor (2010)

Daohugouthallus is a monotypic genus of lichen, known from fossils found in the Jurassic Haifanggou Formation near Daohugou village, Ningcheng County, China. The genus contains a single species, D. ciliiferus. Although Daohugouthallus shows some relationships to the family Parmeliaceae, it is distinct enough for scientists to suggest its classification into its own family, Daohugouthallaceae. Dated at approximately 165 million years ago, this macrolichen is thought to be the earliest fossil example of an epiphytic macrolichen, indicating it likely grew on gymnosperm plants.