A collection of lichens

Lichens are a group of fungi that have, during the course of evolution, entered a mutual association with algae or cyanobacteria, resulting in a complex relationship that benefits both organisms and allowing them to colonize habitats which would otherwise be inaccessible to the fungus or to the algae by itself.

These habitats may range from bare rock to tree trunks; considerable variety is amply demonstrated even in a relatively small area such as the Buskett woodland, where all the following photographs were taken.

Caloplaca sp., a distinctive yellow lichen which covers bare rock

Ramalina durieui, found mostly on thin branches of pine (Pinus halepensis) and cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Another 'leafy', cypress-loving species

This lichen appears to prefer dead bark of the pine tree

A black lichen using rock as its substrate. The green growth consists of moss, which, unlike lichen, is a true plant.

A white lichen on rock.

From the depths

On the occasion of the World Wildlife Fund's 50th anniversary, the folks at Maltapost have issued a four-stamp set featuring the remarkable Chimaera monstrosa L., 1758.

Chimaera monstrosa L., 1758 on a Maltapost 2011 issue

Known in Maltese as Fenek il-Baħar (lit. sea rabbit), this is a cartilaginous fish, closely related to sharks, commonest at depths of between 500 and 800 metres in the Mediterranean and the East Atlantic. Populations are threatened by the fishing industry and may soon be categorized as 'vulnerable' under IUCN criteria.

Argiope revisited

After overwintering, the egg sac of the spider featured in this post has opened to reveal the hatched young. Few will make it to adulthood, and some of those which will, namely the males, will be devoured as a post-coital snack by the comparatively huge female.

Juveniles of Argiope lobata Pallas, 1772 - Siġġiewi

The species in question, Argiope lobata Pallas, 1772, is also being investigated as the source of the therapeutically useful toxins it produces to kill its prey.

Molecule of A. lobata's argiotoxin ArgTX-636, from Wikipedia

The photograph of the juvenile spiders comes courtesy of Mr. Patrick Tabone.