The Outer Banks are part of a lichen biodiversity hotspot.  I had no idea!  I’m familiar with lichens from my work in the Southern Appalachians, often considered the crown jewel of lichen biodiversity in this country.  But, the Outer Banks?  

It turns out that the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula–including Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge–contain uniquely large swaths of protected wetlands and mature forests, free of development.  They’re swamps.  Ugly to developers; beautiful to lichens.

Lichens consist of a fungus and an algae or cyanobacteria.  The algae or cyanobacteria provides sugars via photosynthesis.  The fungus provides structure and shelter from extreme environmental conditions such as drought and/or sunlight.

The lichen photographed above was found within Buxton Woods, a maritime forest along Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina’s Outer Banks.  The fruticose, shrubby-like lichen is Usnea stricgosa (Bushy Beard Lichen) and the flat and leafy-like lichen is Parmotrema perforatum or Perforated Ruffle Lichen (I think!). I’m certainly still a beginner/rookie at lichen identification and photography!  

Camera:  Nikon D810
Lens:  Nikkor 60mm micro f2.8 @ 60mm
Tripod:  Really Right Stuff TVC-33

Date taken:  February 27, 2021
Settings:  f11, 1/100 second, iso-250