The Dotted Line, Ramalina Farinacea

Day 121: At first glance, it's easy to mistake Ramalina farinacea for an Evernia, however close examination will reveal the rather interesting set of features which distinguish it. First of all, both sides are the same colour. Evernia is paler on the reverse. Second, you may see small perforations in the branches, looking very much like they've been holed by beetles. If you confirm both of these characteristics, then it's time to finalize your commitment. If the soralia are marginal (at the edges of the branches), discrete (separated) and elliptical as shown in the inset, you've found the "dotted line" which gives this species its common name. Sign here, and you're done. A similar species, Ramalina subleptocarpha, has longer soralia which continue along the margins almost without interruption.