A rare form of lichen fungus has been spotted in Guernsey for the first time in 140 years.

The sighting of the Teloschistes chrysophthalmus was recorded on cliffs near Jerbourg by Charles David, the president of La Societe Guernesiaise.

The lichen is an unusual orange colour and the last known sighting of the species in Guernsey was in 1867, the BBC reports.

Teloschistes chrysophthalmus used to be widespread along the coast of southern England, from West Sussex, through the Isle of Wight to Torquay.

The lichen was recently spotted in Cornwall in 1997 and 1998 where it was found on blackthorn.

Mr David said that the sighting was significant and that it would attract considerable attention from botanists throughout the UK.

Lichen provide a haven for insects and birds and commonly live on trees and rocks.

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