The species of January and February is a distinctive fungus found in old-growth forests with biologically mature aspens — Exophiala calicioides.

This is a characteristic and relatively easily recognizable ascomycete. It forms black, straight or slightly curved fruiting bodies measuring 1.0–3.0 mm in length and 0.1–0.2 mm in width. On the substrate, the fruiting bodies occur either singly or in small clusters. Externally, it resembles pin lichens; however, it is not a lichen, as it does not form a symbiotic association with algae.

The species is threatened by forestry activities, forest road construction, and other actions that destroy habitats or alter forest ecological conditions. It is also affected by forest fragmentation and the loss of continuity of old aspen stands. In Latvia, it is classified as Endangered (EN), due to its limited distribution and the ongoing decline in habitat quality and availability.