365Caws is now in its 14th year of publication, and was originally intended to end after 365 days. It has sometimes been difficult for me to find new material, particularly during the winter months, but now as I enter my own twilight years, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to provide daily posts. It is my hope that along the way I may have inspired someone to a greater curiosity about the natural world. If so, I can rest, content in the knowledge that my work here has been done.
Monday, February 8, 2016
Pseudocyphellaria Rainierensis, Old-Growth Specklebelly
Day 118: The Bud Blancher Trail is proving to be a goldmine of lichen species from common to rare. Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis falls in the latter category. Listed in Canada as "vulnerable," it is found primarily in old-growth forest as its common name Old-Growth Specklebelly suggests. Its scientific nomenclature gives another hint as to where it is most likely to be observed: rainierensis. A closer look at the lower surface of the lobes will reveal tiny white speckles (pseudocyphellae) on a tomentose (velvety) base. Similar species for which it might be mistaken are Platismatia glauca (rhizines present) and Lobaria oregana (pseudocyphellae absent). Apothecia of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis are seldom seen. While not a Life List species for me (I have witnessed it within the Park), these are my first good photos of the species.
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