Peltigera didactyla

Peltigera didactyla, a lichen, growing on a moist mossy rock outcrop near Echo Lake in Minnesota. The cottony puffs are laminar soralia and a key to identifying this species. Apothecia, when present, are marginal, brown, oblong, saddle-shaped and erect.

comments (6)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Such an awesome shot, lichens can be so gorgeous. Posted 6 years ago
1. Gary B
  
  Lion
  
  That's true. Have you seen the book Lichens of North America? Wonderful photos. Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Sorry, no I haven't! I do regularly just look at our lichen section for pure joy:
    https://www.jungledragon.com/wildlife/photos/fungi/ascomycota/lecanoromycetes
    
    And I'm collecting general beauty and diversity of fungi in this large list, but I think you've seen it, since this photo is on it :) Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Gary B
      
      Lion
      
      I think I have that one before but maybe it is another lichen page I'm thinking of. Anyway, I've clicked the link to give it a look. Posted 6 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

Today's Facebook post:

Dog lichens, such as Peltigera didactyla, are abundant in nature and grow on various substrates, worldwide.

Lichens are a fantastic example of mutualism in nature. They are made of fungi and algae (or cyanobacteria), which come together for the benefit of both organisms. The fungus gives the lichen structure, while the alga provides the food through photosynthesis.

This relationship benefits us as well. Algae make nearly half of the oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere! And, many species of dog lichen contain a cyanobacterium called Nostoc, which fixes atmospheric nitrogen. Nitrogen fixation breaks down nitrogen into a useable form, and it is one of the most biochemical processes on Earth. It is essential for life. Lichens also have an important role in soil formation, biological succession, and biological weathering. Lichens are incredible! {Spotted in Minnesota, USA by Gary B} #JungleDragon #Lichen #Peltigeradidactyla

https://www.facebook.com/jungledragonwildlife Posted 4 years ago