noun
whiteworm lichen
A species of lichen (Thamnolia vermicularis) found in alpine and arctic regions. The name is usually written in katakana.
ムシゴケは高山の岩場に生える地衣類の一種だ。
Whiteworm lichen is a type of lichen that grows on rocky alpine terrain.
The name ムシゴケ literally means 'insect moss', likely from the worm-like appearance of the lichen's podetia. The exact derivation is uncertain.