Xanthoparmelia coloradoensis at first glance appears to be a diminutive form of larger species of the genus including the very locally common X. cumberlandia. Both species have
yellowish green thalli without isidia or soredia and grow on volcanic granitic rock. The undersurface of both is some shade of brown, and the medulla in both is K+ yellow. Aside from size, the main difference between the two species is that X. coloradoensis is loosely attached to the substrate even with some overlapping lobes, while X. cumberlandia is more tightly attached.
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Xanthoparmelia coloradoensis, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Gila NF, Grant Cty, McMillan Campground N of Pinos Altos, January 23, 2026
Xanthoparmelia coloradoensis, thalli measured in lab, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Gila NF, Grant Cty, McMillan Campground N of Pinos Altos, January 23, 2026
Xanthoparmelia coloradoensis, photomicrograph of thallus, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Gila NF, Grant Cty, McMillan Campground N of Pinos Altos, January 23, 2026
Xanthoparmelia coloradoensis, undersurface of thallus, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Gila NF, Grant Cty, McMillan Campground N of Pinos Altos, January 23, 2026
Xanthoparmelia coloradoensis, brown rhizoids and pale brown undersurface, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Gila NF, Grant Cty, McMillan Campground N of Pinos Altos, January 23, 2026
Xanthoparmelia coloradoensis, medulla yellow in KOH, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Gila NF, Grant Cty, McMillan Campground N of Pinos Altos, January 23, 2026
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