L is for Lichen
…and oh how I like me some lichen! Did you know that there are over 14,000 species of lichen recognized
Arctic Ground Squirrel on lichen covered boulder, Denali National Park, Alaska
worldwide? That is probably why I suck at identifying any particular one. But as visual elements, I love what they add to photographs.
A good field guide for lichen is called Lichens of the North Woods by Joe Walewski. It goes into great detail about lichen biology, and how they are very efficient collectors of airborne substances. While lichen provide the benefit of bringing airborne chemicals into the soil, they are also collectors of toxins and radiation, and can introduce these substances into the food chain.
Michigan’s own Isle Royale is known to have 600 of the 700 species found in the North Woods regions. Walewski identifies it as one of the hotspots for biological study.
Great Horned owl on lichen and moss covered snag, Michigan
It’s amazing and hard to believe there are actually over unique 14,000 species. I don’t think my mind would even have the capacity to begin to cope with trying to identify one from another unless there were major differences — this one’s red and this one’s green. LOL
Wonderful photo!
I’m nowhere near your class of photographer but lichen is a favorite subject when I’m in the woods. Lovely. Thank you for sharing! And I appreciate your visit to my blog and glad to have found you, my dear.
Awakening Dreams and Conquering Nightmares with a Pen
Best wishes!
Glad you stopped by Darla.
Lichen do add a lot to pictures and make me think of cool, damp, forests.
same here – forests with lots of big rocks
Well, I did not know that and would not have even imagined there were that many species. I lichen how you presented the lichen in these two images. Excellent!
Hey, I aim to educate around here. 🙂 Thanks Monte.
The lichens are cool, particularly in conjunction with the critters
Thanks Howard.