ID based up on the number of following morphological characters of the Cumberland rock-shield lichen (Xanthoparmelia cumberlandia). General appearance, microhabitat of the rock surface, abundant isidia, tan downside, as well asl as K+ (green), C-, KC - cortex, K+ yellow turning orangish pink, C -, and KC -medulla. Ineterestingly, rhizines were irregularly distributed to me, and they actially reminded me cilia.
References:
Brodo, I.M., Duran Sharnoff, S., Sharnoff, S. 2001. Lichens of North America. Yale University Press. New Haven & London.
Diagnosis of the Bushy beard lichen (Usnera strigosa) is based on the presence of he central supportive cord, thalus growing in bushy tufts from a single point, not blackened base, presence of apothecia, dense reddish medulla. Spor tests of the cortex (KC+ yellow) suggested presence of usnic acid, medulla in this specimen was K-, C- KC-, as well as geographic location (Cape Code, NE US).
References:
Brodo, I.M., Duran Sharnoff, S., Sharnoff, S. 2001. Lichens of North America. Yale University Press. New Haven & London.
Plated Rock Tripe
Habitat:
On the vertical surface of the rock in the broad leaf forest. S-W exp. Elevation: 106 m a.s.l. Can be seen together with Lasallia papulosa and other minor rock lichenes. Seems to prefere more shady and humid microbabitat compared to Lasallia papulosa.
Comment: Widespread species here.
This adult male shows signs of severe facial dermatitis, an infection which can be caused by fungus. Orange and pale colored scales are inflamed. Milky wash in the eye in this case is not a sign of preparation to shedding, but an early stage orbital abscess.
Mother with 5 babies were observed. Babies are about 2 week old, close to shed. Images show only 2 babies.
Multiple road killed specimens
Diagnosis of the Rough speckled shield lichen (Punctelia rudecta) is based on the presence of he blish gray thalus with abundant insidia and white pseudocyphellae, absence of soralia at lobe margins, pale tan lower surface with pale rhizines as well as growth on the bark of a birch and geographical location (NE US), Spot tests of medulla (k- KC+ red, C+ red) suggest presence of lecanoric acid. References:
Brodo, I.M., Duran Sharnoff, S., Sharnoff, S. 2001. Lichens of North America. Yale University Press. New Haven & London.
Larva
Killed female on the bike-trail.
Getting ready to shed
Foraging muskrat.
There were also spring peepers calling on the background.
Pictures done with my cell-phone
Larva was found in a small drying vernal pool 60x35x23cm.
Common Toadskin.
Habitat:
On the vertical surface of the rock in the broad leaf forest. S-W exp. Elevation: 106 m a.s.l. Can be seen together with Umbilicaria mammulata and other minor rock lichenes. Seems to be more dry-resistant than Umbilicaria mammulata.
Comment: Widespread species here.
