Golden-eye Lichen

Teloschistes chrysophthalmus

Golden-eye lichen forms small, shrubby tufts that stand out against bark with yellow-green, golden, and orange tones. Its curled, branching thallus and bright orange apothecia give the colony a lively, sculptural appearance, especially when low natural light catches the tuft from the side. These photographs show the species under changing light conditions and from several viewing angles, including natural-light portraits and flash-lit studies that emphasize texture, cilia, and the surrounding lichen community.

For identification details and comparison with similar species, see Teloschistes chrysophthalmus in the Field Notes section.

Waiting for the Light
A wider natural-light view showing the colony in place on a mixed lichen-covered branch.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Settings: ISO 400 * Aperture f/13 * Shutter 1/100 s
E22A2623 • Size: 5375x3583

Golden-eye Lichen in Natural Sunlight
Low sunlight brings out the amber-orange tones and layered structure of the tuft.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Settings: ISO 400 * Aperture f/13 * Shutter 1/100 s
E22A2624 • Size: 2638x1759

Flash-lit Detail
Flash reveals the dense cilia, orange apothecia, and tangled branching structure.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Settings: ISO 100 * Aperture f/18 * Shutter 1/200 s
E22A2614 • Size: 5448x3632

Tufted Form
The colony rises from the bark as a compact, shrubby cluster among gray Physcia-like rosettes.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Settings: ISO 100 * Aperture f/18 * Shutter 1/200 s
E22A2611 • Size: 1991x1327

A compact burst of orange clings to the curve of a birch twig, its surface crowded with tiny cup-shaped apothecia that glow in low, golden light. The lichen forms a tight, tufted colony, its irregular lobes lifting just enough to create a textured, almost miniature landscape. Pale bracket fungi line the branch below, adding contrast in both color and form, while the smooth gray bark and soft background keep the focus on the vivid, sunlit cluster.

Golden-eye Sunburst on Birch Twig
A dense cluster of vivid orange apothecia rises from a slender birch twig, catching warm light against a backdrop of quiet decay.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Settings: ISO 100 * Aperture f/13 * Shutter 0.5 s
E22A0106 • Size: 3198x2132

Golden-eye on Twig with Mixed Lichens
A dense cluster of orange apothecia surrounded by gray Physcia-like rosettes and yellow crusts.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Settings: ISO 100 * Aperture f/13 * Shutter 1.0 s
E22A0184_85_88 • Size: 5448x3632