A crusty heathland lichen

[jimmymac2]

Found on a rock in a dry ditch in heathland.

[JennyS]

Probably Baeomyces rufus, though Dibaeis baeomyces can appear very similar and to be 100% certain you need to test the KoH reaction: http://www.irishlichens.ie/pages-lichen/l-70.html

[jimmymac2]

Thanks Jenny,
I think the former is the most likely due to habitat, it was in a shaded spot and the heath wasn't too wet.

[diggleken]

I tend to think B rufus is largely on rock whilst D baeomyces is on wet soil as a coloniser......