How to pronounce Chlamydomas Nivalis. Chlamydomas nivalis - Clammy-doe-mahs Nye-vahl-is

The red snow created by the microbe, C. nivalis

brings energy and hope for survival to the many arctic creatures that depend on eating this microbe. When winter snow has covered up other sources of nourishment, C. nivalis is there to provide a food source to the creatures that seek it out.
And she is a brightly colored red, for easy identification against the white snow.
The stark contrast of crimson tracks upon pure whiteness, reminds us that we are fascinated by unusual differences in our world, and mysteries of nature yet to be solved.

Red has been used by humans during the winter, to celebrate various holidays, including Christmas and Saturnalia.
Like holly berries that sustain birds through the colder months in the more temperate regions, C. nivalis provides a bright message to the creatures flying or flitting or buzzing about the snow covered slopes of the mountains. This is where C. nivalis is simply producing red pigments for her own photosynthetic activities.
The cells of C. nivalis imbue ice crystals so brightly with her red pigment that the tint is evocative of watermelon fruit flesh, or a red snow cone.

It has been discovered that C. nivalis makes a red pigment, astaxanthin, which can be purified for human consumption and is thousands of times more effective than resveratrol. (the compound in red wine and touted for heart health). C. nivalis is also packed with useful energy and health benefits and she is not shy about advertising her presence to those who hunger for these traits.

C. Nivalis teaches us to be grateful for our curious minds that seek to tease out the reason for something not yet understood.

C. nivalis also teaches us that if we have something to offer our world, do not be afraid to show everyone what you’ve got, in the loudest, brightest most attractive way you can muster.

by Dr. JeM YinJoy

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