Species · GBIF taxon 2608124
lace lichen
Ramalina menziesiiAlso known as Fishnet Lichen, Menzies' Lace Lichen
Lace lichen drapes from the branches of oaks and conifers along the Pacific Coast, forming intricate, living nets that capture moisture from coastal fog. These delicate, pale green curtains expand and contract with humidity, shifting from brittle, dusty threads during dry spells to soft, vibrant webs when wet. They play a vital role in the canopy ecosystem by providing nesting material for birds and critical winter forage for local deer.
EpiphyticFog-dependentBioindicator
- diet
- Photosynthetic sugars and airborne minerals
- family
- Ramalinaceae
- threats
- Air pollution, habitat loss, and severe wildfires
- life Span
- Decades to over a century
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Check the Texture: Gently touch the strands when dry to feel their papery brittleness, then compare them after a rain.
- Look for Nesting Birds: Scan nearby bird nests, as many species weave these soft fibers into their nurseries.
- Observe the Netting: Use a hand lens to examine the perfect, repeating hexagonal mesh that gives this lichen its name.