Thamnolia vermicularis - White Worm Lichen

Finger Lichen Good!

Worm Lichen is a widespread genus that inhabits arctic and alpine terrain. It is an asexual species of lichen that requires fragmentation in order to spread and continue its growth. One way that this can be accomplished is by humans or animals stepping on the fungus and breaking it off or a bird can take some to line its scrape next on the ground and that can help it propagate. It appears to be an under-researched lichen as its wikipedia article contains a meager 47 words. I cannot find any Inuit or Inuktitut names for the Worm Lichen, either.

Snow won't stop this Lichen from growing. Much like its cousin, the Crinkled Snow Lichen

With terrain like this it's no wonder Lichen can sometimes be the most abundant lifeform on the tundra.

3 species of Lichen in one photo! 1- White Worm Lichen 2- Crinkled Snow Lichen 3- Dead Caribou/Reindeer Lichen

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All photos are my own, taken by myself. They are taken using a Nikon P900 and a Samsung S20. Consider checking out my website, Midnight Sunsets. I'm also on Twitter and Instagram!