Cartilage Lichen

Lichens! Such unique life forms, created by a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and algae. They aren't harmful to the tree or other substrate they're found on.

I believe this delicate little one I found before the snow fell might be a cartilage or strap lichen. It's very thin and thread-like. I wanted to get a better picture, but now the ground is covered in snow, and I don't think I'll be able to dig around to find the right leaf it was lying on. Plus, it's bitingly cold, too cold for a sub-tropical native, to be outside right now!