Day 248: Peltigera venosa is the smallest Pelt lichen to be found in Mount Rainier National Park. In a mature specimen, individual lobes measure only 10-15 mm. wide with brownish-red lentil-sized apothecia generally visible on the margins. Its most distinguishing feature (apart from being bright green) can be seen on the back side of the lobes; true to its Latin name, P. venosa is heavily veined. Interestingly, unlike many other Peltigeras, venosa's reproductive structures occur on the lower surface of the lobes rather than the top, and when these cephalodia (vegetative propagules) become detached, they usually drop close to the parent lichen. A young P. venosa can be seen on the righthand side of the photo. Peltigera venosa is easily the most recognizable species of Pelt in the Park.
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