Entodon_seductrix,_moss,I_JP29819.jpg

Entodon_seductrix,_moss,I_JP29819.jpg from: https://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Entodon

Exploring the Fascinating World of Entodon motelayi (Besch.) Paris Moss

Mosses are some of the most ancient and resilient plants on Earth, with over 12,000 species found across diverse habitats worldwide. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at one particularly interesting species:

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2021-11-14-16-17-04.jpg from: https://www.britishbryologicalsociety.org.uk/learning/species-finder/entodon-concinnus/

Entodon motelayi (Besch.) Paris, a moss in the Entodontaceae family.

Background on Mosses

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834496.jpg from: https://www.bio-forum.pl/messages/3280/834489.html

Mosses are small, non-vascular plants in the division Bryophyta. Unlike other land plants, mosses lack true roots, stems, and leaves. Instead, they have rhizoids that anchor them and absorb water and nutrients. Mosses play important ecological roles, helping to prevent erosion, retain moisture, and provide habitat for microorganisms.

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entodon_concinnus1.jpg from: https://www.kristvi.net/lavogmoser/entodon_concinnus.html

Morphology and Identification

E. motelayi is a pleurocarpous moss, meaning its reproductive structures (sporophytes) grow laterally from the stems. Its stems are creeping to ascending, irregularly branched, and typically 1-3 cm long. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate, 1-2 mm long, and have a short, double costa (midrib). The leaf margins are entire to minutely serrulate near the apex.
One distinguishing feature of E. motelayi is its sporophyte morphology. The seta (stalk) is smooth, reddish, and 1-2 cm long. Capsules are erect and cylindrical, with a conical operculum (lid). Peristome teeth are exostome, linear-lanceolate, and papillose.

Global Distribution and Habitat

E. motelayi has a wide distribution, found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It typically grows on tree trunks, logs, and rocks in forests and woodlands from lowland to montane elevations. This moss prefers shaded, humid microhabitats.

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18.2b8562afbed044cc9971c59e534aa35f.jpg from: https://www.eol.org/pages/890776/media

Ecological Roles and Adaptations

Like other mosses, E. motelayi contributes to nutrient cycling, water retention, and erosion control in forest ecosystems. Its mat-like growth form helps trap moisture and organic debris, creating microhabitats for invertebrates and microorganisms.
E. motelayi has several adaptations for survival:

Moss Diversity

The Entodontaceae are a diverse family with over 30 genera worldwide. Some other notable genera include:

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Entodon_seductrix_NR_3_29_20_i.jpg from: https://www.wcupa.edu/GordonNaturalArea/forms/biota/bryophytes.aspx

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Entodon-seductrix-31-750×499.jpg from: https://ohiomosslichen.org/moss-entodon-seductrix/

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Entodon-seductrix-3-700×525.jpg from: https://ohiomosslichen.org/entodon-seductrix-3/

Genus Distribution Habitat
Entodon Cosmopolitan Epiphytic, saxicolous
Erythrodontium Pantropical Epiphytic, saxicolous
Mesonodon E Asia, C & S America Epiphytic, terrestrial
Pylaisiobryum E Asia Epiphytic

Conclusion

Entodon motelayi is a fascinating moss species with a wide distribution and important ecological roles. By studying its morphology, habitat preferences, and adaptations, we gain a greater appreciation for the diversity and resilience of mosses. Next time you’re in the woods, take a closer look – you might just spot this amazing little moss! What other secrets of the forest floor are waiting to be discovered?

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large.jpg from: https://inaturalist.ca/guide_taxa/437911