Crustose Lichens, Eldorado Canyon, NV

These pictures were taken on a hike to Eldorado Canyon, just southeast of Nelson, NV, on 02/17/2011. Lichens are among the most fascinating organisms on this planet. Their very structure is unique: a symbioses of two organisms -- a fungus and algae -- so complete that they behave and look like an entirely new being. I have always been fascinated by these living organisms and the variety of colors that they often present. The yellow ones pictured here are probably what is know as Common Yolk Lichens (Acarospora spp.). Red ones are Caloplaca spp.; and green ones are called Lecanora spp.

Background Info:  Lichens rank among the least well known forms of life. Common names, when available, typically apply to the entire genus rather than to individual species. Lichens are generally divided into three basic forms: crustose, or crust-like; foliose or leaf-like; and fruticoseor stalked. Crustose lichens, such as those shown here, are flaky or crust-like. They can be found covering rocks, soil, bark, etc. -- often forming brilliantly colored streaks. Lichens can be divided into three basic forms: crustose, or crust-like; foliose or leaf-like; and fruticoseor stalked. A lichen can literally eat stones, survive severe cold, and remain dormant for long periods without harm. Classification of lichens is undergoing change as well. In fact, Mycologists now suggest eliminating the Lichens as a Phylum and, instead, reclassifying each invidual lichen according to its fungal component -- mostly Sac Fungi (Ascomycota). Never-the-less, lichens look so different from other fungi that they deserve separate treatment here.