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What is eating that lichen? Lichen Grazing by Invertebrates
What is eating that lichen? Lichen Grazing by Invertebrates
The Challenge:
The Challenge:
Please help us document what is eating two of our local lichens! If you find the species below, and they show evidence of grazing, log your finds on iNaturalist in the project "Foray NL Lichen Grazing Project". Include the following useful information:
images of the whole lichen, the grazed parts, and any invertebrates you see on the tree
notes on: tree species, location, date, describe any grazing marks on the lichens
when you add this log to our project, you'll be automatically prompted to list any invertebrates you observed on the tree
The Species:
The Species:
We are particularly interested in grazing on two common species: Parmelia squarrosa (Bottlebrush Shield Lichen)and Lobaria pulmonaria (Lungwort Lichen). Example photographs of these lichens and evidence of grazing is shown in detail below.
Parmelia squarrosa (Bottlebrush Shield Lichen)
Parmelia squarrosa (Bottlebrush Shield Lichen)
Parmelia squarrosa is a foliose or leaf-like lichen, common on the bark of conifers and deciduous trees. The upper surface is pale grey. The lower surface is black and covered in many tiny root-like rhizines.
What does grazing look like on this species?
What does grazing look like on this species?
Grazers seem to target the light upper surface of Parmelia squarrosa leaving the black lower surface exposed.
Lobaria pulmonaria (Lungwort Lichen)
Lobaria pulmonaria (Lungwort Lichen)
Lobaria pulmonaria is a a foliose lichen predominantly found growing on the bark of deciduous trees, such as birch and maple, but can also be found on spruce and fir trees in more humid areas. The upper surface ranges from light green or brown in colour when dry, to vibrant green when wet, and has a network of distinct ridges. The lower surface is light in colour with veins.
What does grazing look like on this species?
What does grazing look like on this species?
Sometimes holes or tracks can be seen in the green upper surface of the thallus and when grazing is severe the lichen can have an almost skeletal appearance.
About the Project:
About the Project:
The project team, André Arsenault, Katherine Flores, and Patricia Baines are grateful for your contributions.
If you do not use iNaturalist, you can email your photos and descriptions to them at AtlanticLichens@gmail.com
Download a PDF Version of this iNaturalist Challenge Flyer.
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