Dibaeis baeomyces. Found a great big patch of this lichen encrusting the ground behind work. very sandy-rocky soil. Had been raining for a few days before I took this picture. A few dry days later, they were all shriveled away. The Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are 1-4mm. http://www.lichen.com/bigpix/Dbaeomyces.html
1/125s
F/8
Iso 100
Take Nothing but Pictures--Leave Nothing but Footprints.
Doug Breda
Great posting Doug. Most interesting and well executed series of images of a very bizarre looking life form. The term "pioneer lichen" is pretty self defining but I thought I'd check it out anyway. Here's a top liner courtesy of Wikipedia: