Lichen
Lichens are great sources of color, structure and pattern (life as art) for macro-photography. They are usually common on a variety of substrates. Best part, great subject material in winter when many other plants and animals are not present.
Sagebrush rim-lichen (Lecanora garovaglii) on rock
Rock-posy lichen (Rhizoplaca sp.) surrounded by several other lichen species on rock
A species of Physcia surrounded by other macrolichen
The green overlapping "shingles" of Mountain Scale (Psora himalayana) on rock
"Warted leaves" describe Salted Shield Lichen (Parmelia saxatilis) growing over moss
Recent rain made Blistered Rock Tripe (Umbilicaria hyperborea) shiny and richer colored
This is an unidentified crustose lichen that mimics a top-down look of the local Bitterroot Mountains
Powdered Funnel Lichen (Cladonia cenotea) in the shaded Ponderosa Pine understory
Beaded Tube Lichen (Hypogymnia apinnata) especially colorful due to winter moisture
Not unusual to find colored patches of lichen on rock, like the neon-colored Crescent Map Lichen (Rhizocarpon lecanorinum) bordered by several other species.