While these taxa were originally distinguished by their secondary metabolites, ecology, and geographic distributions, DNA analysis did not support maintaining them as separate species.

To preserve this valuable ecological information while reflecting genetic reality, these taxa were reclassified as varieties of B. pseudofuscescens, distinguished by their chemical composition: var.

[9] The genus shows distinct regional diversity patterns, with particularly high species richness and ongoing diversification in South-East Asia and western North America.

[4] Studies have shown that species in the genus Bryoria, characterized by their dark melanic pigments, show distinct ecological preferences compared to pale yellow-green usnic acid-containing hair lichens.

Research on coniferous forests in British Columbia demonstrated that Bryoria species strongly favor sun-exposed, well-ventilated locations, particularly dominating south-facing slopes and upper canopy positions.

This distribution pattern reflects an evolutionary specialization where melanic pigments provide crucial protection against high light exposure, allowing these lichens to thrive in dry, sun-exposed environments while shielding their photobionts from radiation damage.

The strong correlation between Bryoria abundance and canopy openness suggests that these lichens are particularly well-adapted to early-successional forest conditions where light exposure is high.