Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Nature's Lace

I wonder if the delicate lace we humans create with needlework was inspired by nature's very own lacy presentations?

With delicate tassels and filaments, this slow growing beard lichen is common in our woods. I'm not 100% sure of the I.D. but I believe it's in the genus Usnea. Lichens are sometimes mistakenly blamed for killing trees, but the fact is, they opportunistically harness the nutrients from an already sick or dying tree.


This beautiful lacy structure is formed from the leftover veins of leaves that were encased around insect eggs, as a larder for when the larvae hatch
 



Yet more filigreed, fractal-edged delicacy in the woods








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