Brick Scale (Psora crenata) or fishscale #lichen is a highly visible component of biological soil crusts in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. The small dark knobs are fruiting bodies.

Soil crusts in arid regions are fascinating. Theres a really great visual field guide here (PDF): Source: Bureau of Land Management (.gov) https://www.ntc.blm.gov/krc/uploads/258/Field%20Guide%20to%20Biological%20Soil%20Crusts%20of%20Western%20U.S.%20Drylands.pdf

#nature #biodiversity