Brown-eyed Sunshine Lichen!

While walking on a trail after a heavy wind storm this piece of bright yellow caught my eye. It seems to be a common occurrence.
https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/1853271828

My reference, “Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest” states that Vulpicida canadensis is a “distinctive species unlikely to be confused with any other”. A good thing for my ability to ID things! To further reinforce my identification the picture on the Wikipedia “Vulpicida” page helped.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulpicida
The bright yellow colours are caused by pinastric and vulpicida acids which deter birds and animals from eating this lichen. The isolation of this specimen is caused by the use of flash while holding it. The entire piece is 1.5cm across.

comments (7)

Christine Young

Lion

Awesome find! Posted 5 years ago
1. gary fast
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks, Christine. I am not quite sure about the habitat photo. The lack of apothecia sort of scares me. I did find today another, somewhat larger piece while walking today. I may remove the photo of the “twig” from this species. Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    I thought that twig one looked a bit different as well. But, I'm not at all good at IDing lichens. Posted 5 years ago
  2. 1. gary fast
      
      Lion
      
      Christine, I may be sticking to my original idea.
      https://inaturalist.ca/observations/32710015
      I realize that it’s a “suggested ID” but considering the colour and habitat I also am leaning to that ID. Looking at the photos of Vulpicida canadensis on the internet there is sooo much variation. Overwhelming! Posted 5 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Sounds good! I just googled it as well, and you are right - so much variation!!
        https://www.waysofenlichenment.net/lichens/Vulpicida%20canadensis Posted 5 years ago

Ferdy Christant

Lion

A job well done, Gary! It's beautiful and thank you for the time invested in researching it. Posted 5 years ago
1. gary fast
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks, Ferdy. Please see my reply to Christine. It’s a good thing that a wind comes along to blow specimens off the trees! Posted 5 years ago