So some of the western units on the grasslands have more composite-type rocks. Furthermore, that makes it interesting to see where the different lichens will call home. The Turban Lichens (Cladonia peziziformis) east of Hwy 287 are most often found on soil. However, here their substrate included rocks.
Unsure as to what the blacken stalks were, I brought it home to examine. After my examination, the black stalks appear to be just a dead plant of some sort. Certainly, it had looked a bit weird to me.
What I did find while doing the examination were these black mites with the red legs! Very pretty!
Another specimen that I carried home. Jeanne found this caterpillar exuvia on some bark. So it looked to have been a hairy critter. The arrow points to its eyes (ocelli).
The Pixie Cup Lichens (Cladonia pyxidata) were crowded together on the rock. The fairies may have been preparing for a party? Do you wonder what the fairies will be drinking, fruit punch or ale. LOL
I see a happy green creature emerging! 😉
Lepra lichen dry.
After pouring water over the lichen, it took only about twenty seconds to turn greenish from the algae that lies just under the top gray cortex (skin).
Pretty pebbles found in a glade.
Leaving the hillside behind, a dry field on the way back to the vehicles.
Turning over a cow patty, a millipede was in a slumber. I believe I must have scared the poop/pee out of it. Poor thing, but I covered it back up so it could get back to its winter nap.
Last photo. Certainly, this interesting gall required an examination.
Breaking it open, I found that the segments must have an individual larva in each segment. I found one white alive larva. From the holes in the gall, it looked like many had already emerged.
Wow! What a lot of fun!
Sure was!
Green critter looks like a whale. The pixie cups must be there just for the fairies. I too wonder what they drink out of them.
It must be something good with so many expected for the party. 🙂
The green critter has a fern earring!
I had to go back and look. 🤣