Separating The Sheep From The Goats

Day 105: While it's actually quite easy to distinguish Evernia prunastri (top) from Hypogymnia inactiva (bottom) using only field characteristics, many lichens require reagent testing to achieve an accurate identification. Since some of the reagents commonly used have a shelf life of mere minutes, the amateur lichenologist is at something of a disadvantage. We often resort to placing "sp." ("species") at the end of the scientific name (as in "Hypogymnia sp.") when we are unable to test our specimens or narrow an identification down by location or substrate. That's "close enough for government work" when you don't have laboratory faciilities available.

"Inactive" Lichens

Day 132: In another venue, the lichen photo I posted yesterday sparked quite a discussion of where the "inactiva" part of the scientific name originated (Hypogymnia inactiva is also called "Inactive Tube Lichen" in some references, but Brodo is the recognized authority, so I have used "Mottled Tube Lichen" as the common name). I did some digging and found out that "inactive" lichens are those which can survive long periods of dry and/or cold weather. Growth ceases during stressful conditions and resumes only when sufficient warmth and moisture are available. It is always good to understand the taxonomy.

Here is another specimen of Hypogymnia inactiva showing the typical brownish-yellow apothecia fully open. It is growing on a downed limb of Red Alder (Alnus rubrum).

Mottled Tube Lichen, Hypogymnia Inactiva

Day 131: I've made at least three attempts at capturing the beauty of this particular specimen of Hypogymnia inactiva with the little Sony point-and-shoot camera I carry on my belt while walking. I couldn't get the depth of field right, and the camera wouldn't register true color. After another failure today, I decided there was nothing for it but to throw the tripod over my shoulder and the "real" camera (the Canon SX30 IS) around my neck and take a second walk. Yes, I could have found another example closer to home because Mottled Tube Lichen is very common in the mixed forests at this elevation, and in fact I did take photos of another specimen with open apothecia. Although this isn't a "field guide" shot, it has greater eye appeal. Common though it may be, Hypogymnia is one of my favorite lichens.