Common name: Yellow Cobblestone Lichen.
Extract from Wikipedia article: Acarospora socialis (bright cobblestone lichen) is a usually bright yellow aereolate to squamulose crustose lichen in the Acarosporaceae family that grows up to 10 cm wide, mostly on rock in western North America. It is among the most common lichens in the deserts of Arizona and southern California. It grows on sandstone, intrusive and extrusive igneous rock such as granitics, in all kinds of exposures to sunlight, including vertical rock walls. It is found in North America, including areas of the Mojave Desert and Sonoran Desert region, to Baja California Sur. It is the most common yellow member of its genus in southwestern North America. It sometimes, but rarely, grows on other soil crusts. It is a pioneer species.
Acarospora socialis is a crustose lichen species that grows in dense, rounded patches. It has a yellowish to orange-yellow thallus with numerous, crowded apothecia. In East and Central Texas, Acarospora socialis is found on limestone and sandstone rocks, as well as on caliche outcrops, typically in full sun to partial shade. The species is relatively common in the region, particularly in areas with low to moderate elevations and well-drained soils.
Yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis and brown Caloplaca on pink granite in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Fredericksburg, Texas, December 25, 2018
Unnamed Road, Llano, TX 78643, USA
Yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis on pink granite in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Fredericksburg, Texas, December 25, 2018Unnamed Road, Llano, TX 78643, USA
Yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis on sandstone outcrops in an oak and red cedar forest at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, January 25, 2019Lake Somerville Trailway, Somerville, TX 77879, USA
Yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis on sandstone at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, January 25, 2019Lake Somerville Trailway, Somerville, TX 77879, USA
Yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis in partial shade on sandstone near Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, March 14, 2019Park Rd 1-A, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Pattern of yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis on sandstone near Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, March 14, 2019Park Rd 1-A, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Close up of yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis on sandstone near Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, March 14, 2019Park Rd 1-A, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis in partial shade on sandstone of Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, March 14, 2019Park Rd 1-A, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Close up of yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis in partial shade on sandstone of Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, March 14, 2019Park Rd 1-A, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Texture of yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis in partial shade on sandstone of Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, March 14, 2019Park Rd 1-A, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis on sandstone of Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, March 14, 2019Park Rd 1-A, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis on sandstone of Fehr's Overlook Shelter in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, March 14, 2019Fehr's Overlook, Fehr's Overlook Trace, Bastrop County, Texas, 78602, United States
Faded yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis on sandstone of Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, October 13, 2019Park Rd 1-A, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis on sandstone of Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, October 13, 2019Park Rd 1-A, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis on a sandstone rock at an overlook point in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, February 23, 2020Park Rd 1-A, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Texture of yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis on a sandstone rock at an overlook point in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, February 23, 2020Park Rd 1-A, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis on sandstone near Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, February 28, 2021Park Rd 1-A, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Pattern of cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis(?) on sandstone of Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, February 28, 2021Park Rd 1-A, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Patch of cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis on sandstone bench near Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, February 28, 2021Park Rd 1-A, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Yellow cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis on sandstone of Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, December 25, 2021Trailhead, Scenic Overlook Trail, Bastrop County, Texas, 78602, United States
Cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis on sandstone of Fehr's Overlook Shelter in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, January 21, 2023Trailhead, Scenic Overlook Trail, Bastrop County, Texas, 78602, United States
Patch of cobblestone lichen Acarospora socialis on sandstone bench near Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, January 21, 2023Trailhead, Scenic Overlook Trail, Bastrop County, Texas, 78602, United StatesObservations of Acarospora socialis in East and Central Texas show that the species thrives on various types of rock formations, including pink granite and sandstone. It is commonly found in areas such as Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Lake Somerville Trailway, and Bastrop State Park. The lichen grows in partial shade to full sun and forms distinctive yellow cobblestone-like patterns on the rocks. Repeat visits to locations like Lost Pines Overlook in Bastrop State Park over several years reveal consistent presence of the species, with some variations in color intensity and texture. The lichen's appearance can range from bright yellow to faded, possibly due to environmental factors or age. Overall, Acarospora socialis appears to be a widespread and resilient species in the region, able to colonize and persist on various rock substrates.
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