Sunburst Lichen

Orange lichens gain their vibrant color from the cortical pigment Parietin. Exposure to UV-B light stimulates its production of the pigment within the thallus, or the vegetative body. Lending it this eye catching color in addition to blocking harmful UV-B rays from damaging the DNA of both its fungi and algae components.

Subject belongs to either the Xanthomendoza or Candelaria genus.

Focus stack of 81 images.

Full image size 4306 x 3229 pixels.

Actual size ~8.6mm wide x 6.6mm tall.