“Lichen Pictures” is a field identification gallery featuring high-resolution images of diverse crustose and fruticose lichens native to Hawai‘i. It includes species such as Acolium hawaiiense, Bryoria spp., Buellia spp., Caloplaca erythrantha, and Teloschistes flavicans, with each scientific name linked to a quality photo for visual reference and study. This resource supports taxonomic recognition and fungal–algal symbiotic understanding.
Lichen scavenger hunt: Students use the gallery to match photographed specimens with field samples (rocks, bark).
Taxonomy practice: Provide images without names for students to label using morphological clues.
Digital specimen portfolio: Assign learners to photograph local lichens, then compare with gallery images and create annotated field IDs.
Symbiosis discussion: Use the gallery to explore how lichens pair fungi and algae/cyanobacteria, and their role in ecosystems (weathering, bioindicators).
Citizen science contribution: Learners can document lichen occurrences and share observations via iNaturalist, using the UH gallery as a reference.
Lichen morphology & identification: crustose, fruticose, reproductive structures
Symbiotic biology: fungal–algal relationships and ecological functions
Biodiversity documentation: species variation and geographic distribution in Hawai‘i
Environmental indicators: lichens as bioindicators for air quality and humidity
Field science methods: specimen photography, note-taking, taxonomy protocols
