Heterodea is now a synonym of Cladia. This might be Cladia muelleri. Though you say they are out with the rain and gone after a few days of sun - the latter is not in fact the case. In dry conditions this lichen curls up, shrivels a bit and becomes dormant, so all you see is the dark underside, which is very easy to overlook in the leaf/twig litter in which this species is often found. After some rain, the lichen uncurls, the upper surface (dull when dry) becomes a brighter green, very easily visible and the algal partner then gets back to photosynthesizing. It is quite astounding how well, what is say the size of an outstretched hand when moist, can hide when dry. When dry the lichen is very brittle, but it is pliable when moist.
Describe how you intend to use these images and/or audio files and your request will be sent to the author for consideration.
Your request has been successfully submitted to the author for consideration.
1,894,611 sightings of 21,075 species in 9,303 locations from 12,926 contributors
CCA 3.0 | privacy
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land and acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.