Wolf Lichen
ExploreFungi
Wolf Lichen
letharia vulpina
Wolf Lichen is a bright greenish-yellow lichen that often grows on tree bark. It is a special plant that helps to tell us about the health of the forest!
Habitat: Wolf Lichen can be found in forests, especially on the bark of trees.
Appearance
The Wolf Lichen is a striking, bushy lichen with a vibrant chartreuse to greenish-yellow color. Its tangled, branch-like lobes often grow in clusters, resembling small, scraggly shrubs clinging to tree bark or old wood.
KingdomFungiPhylumAscomycotaClassLecanoromycetesOrderLecanoralesFamilyParmeliaceaeGenusLetharia
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
4
Interesting facts
Historically, it was mixed with bait to poison wolves and foxes!
It's actually two organisms living together: a fungus and an alga! Wow!
People once used its bright yellow color to dye wool and textiles.
This tough lichen can live for hundreds of years on trees and rocks!
Special abilities
Ability
Toxic Shield
Wolf Lichen can produce a bitter, toxic acid that helps it defend against hungry animals trying to eat it.
Ability
Teamwork Power
Wolf Lichen has a superpower duo where algae make food and a fungus provides shelter, helping it thrive in tough places.
Ability
Desert Survivor
Wolf Lichen can dry out almost completely and then rehydrate when it rains, helping it survive long droughts.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 3-7 cm
- Spread
- 5-10 cm
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Deadly
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
Ecological connections
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Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Deer LichenLichen of the WolfWolf Moss
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Wolf Lichen?
The easiest way to identify Wolf Lichen is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is Wolf Lichen?
3-7 cm
How wide does Wolf Lichen spread?
5-10 cm
Is Wolf Lichen edible?
No
Is Wolf Lichen toxic?
Deadly
What is Wolf Lichen's lifecycle?
Perennial
Where is Wolf Lichen usually found?
Wolf Lichen can be found in forests, especially on the bark of trees.
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
Aug 2, 2023
Sun Pass State Foresti
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Where to spot
Park15 sightings12 species
Idaho, US
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
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Park30 sightings12 species
Washington, US
Fort George Wright
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Park25 sightings12 species
Oregon, US
Sun Pass State Forest
You might spot Fir Dwarf-Mistletoe, Sugar Pine, and Woodland Pinedrops.
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Park10 sightings4 species
British Columbia, CA
Otter Lake Provincial Park
You might spot Heartleaf Arnica, Douglas Fir, and Oregon Grape.
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Park20 sightings4 species
British Columbia, CA
Stemwinder Provincial Park
You might spot Field Locoweed, Silky Lupine, and Wax Currant.
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