Northwest Lichenologists

Id help? Macrolichen on OP

  • 07 Feb 2023 8:11 AM
    Message # 13088109

    Hi friends! The other day I came across this lichen on the trail and was wondering if anyone had an idea as to what it is. Unfortunately these photos are all I've got. (I am currently kicking myself for not collecting a small piece or getting better photos!) The color is really throwing me, I wonder if it's necrotic or suffering from low light.


    This was on a steep incline in a somewhat exposed part of the trail. It appears to have been growing on moss, but I'm not sure if it was on rock or a tree. Associated with Arbutus, Tsuga; other lichen in the area like Peltigera, Pilophorus, and Stereocaulon.


    Location is about 47.6833˚N 123.0833˚W, altitude around 300m, near the bottom of "Big Hump" on the Duckabush trail, in the eastern Olympic Peninsula.

    7 files
    Last modified: 07 Feb 2023 8:13 AM | Justin Lange
  • 08 Feb 2023 6:37 AM
    Reply # 13089456 on 13088109

    Acroscyhus sphaerophoroides, It is usually more whitish, maybe some algae is growing on its surface? This is the habitat for this species but maybe a new location for this species. Good eye. No need to collect this rare lichen.

    Thanks for sharing.


  • 08 Feb 2023 7:33 AM
    Reply # 13089588 on 13088109

    Oh wow, thank you Roger, I'm glad I asked. That does look right other than the color. How exciting! I'll have to return and look around the area for more at some point.

  • 18 Feb 2023 8:06 PM
    Reply # 13103163 on 13088109

    Came back today and didn't find any other thalli, but did find the same thallus exactly where I left it 2 weeks ago. Interesting it looks like part of it is now a more normal color. Took some better photos this time, including the inside which shows the orange medulla!

    3 files
  • 19 Feb 2023 6:53 AM
    Reply # 13103322 on 13088109

    Good photos thanks for revisiting this site.


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