Illosporiopsis christiansenii

This lichenicolous fungus (a fungus which is a parasite on lichens) is readily seen due to its bright pink colour. It is parasitic on Physcia tenella and sometimes also on Xanthoria parietina.  

Colour is subjective, especialy in a photograph or in artificial light. Microscopic examination of the contents of the pink material is recommended.  A water drop test has been used to separate this species from similar species; see paper by Ann Claypole for British Lichen Society; link below. 

There are similar species - e.g. Erythricium aurantiacum, Laetisaria lichenicola and Marchandiomyces corallinus

Photograph in habitat, ensuring your photo also shows the host species of lichen.  Note habitat and substrate. We recommend microscopic examination - and also see the paper by Ann Claypole of BLS, link in 'Further Information'. 

On Physcia or Xanthoria species of lichens, on living wood of deciduous trees

https://britishlichensociety.org.uk/sites/default/files/Illosporiopsis%20christiansenii.pdf

Claypole, A.  (?)  Effects of hydration on the reproductive structures of Illosporiopsis christiansenii – the reliability of a simple water-drop test in a binary field key.  Accessed from British Lichen Society website on 11/03/2026.  https://britishlichensociety.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-11/Illosporiopsis%20christiansenii%20-%20Ann%20Claypole.pdf

This species is not assigned to a family on the NBN; it is in the Order Hypocreales