Calvitimela species are characterised by their areolate (segmented) thallus and black, shiny, convex apothecia (fruiting bodies).

The genus currently includes eleven recognised species, though recent genetic studies have revealed unexpected diversity within this group.

However, the taxonomy of the genus remains complex and challenging, with ongoing research uncovering new information about their relationships, distribution, and evolution.

The family Tephromelataceae consists of the genera Tephromela, Calvitimela, Mycoblastus and Violella, which together constitute a well-supported monophyletic group.

[7][8] However, resolving the deep phylogenetic relationships within Tephromelataceae has proven challenging, possibly due to incomplete lineage sorting or substitutional saturation.

The sister taxa C. melaleuca II and C. armeniaca have been observed to have narrower spores compared to other species in the genus.

Most prominently observed in the C. melaleuca – complex, with alectorialic, norstictic, roccellic and psoromic acids occurring in different combinations in the species´ several chemotypes.

[8] Recent studies have shown that the chemical profiles within subgenus Calvitimela are complex and overlapping, making it challenging to use chemistry as a diagnostic tool at the species level.

The species in Calvitimela reside either on boulders of varying size or directly on mountainous walls and are occasionally found on pebbles.

[9] On the other hand, due to lack of sampling in certain regions of the world (e.g. Africa, Asia and South America), the true distribution of Calvitimela is only partly known.

Recent studies have provided more detailed insights into the ecology and distribution of Calvitimela species:[6] The different lineages of C. melaleuca (I, II, and III) show potential altitudinal preferences.

However, it has been noted that some individuals have been collected outside of mining habitats, suggesting a wider ecological tolerance than previously thought.

was found to be morphologically similar to C. perlata, highlighting the importance of molecular data in understanding species distributions and ecology.

However, it has been emphasized that more extensive sampling, particularly in understudied regions such as Africa, Asia, and South America, is needed to fully understand the global distribution patterns of these lichens.

This underscores the need for more comprehensive sampling and molecular studies to fully elucidate the ecological niches and distribution patterns of Calvitimela species worldwide.

[6] Molecular phylogenetics has revolutionised the taxonomy of crustose lichens and revealed an extensive amount of cryptic species diversity.

[7][8] Challenges in resolving deep phylogenetic relationships within Tephromelataceae persist, possibly due to incomplete lineage sorting or substitutional saturation.

[6] Future phylogenetic studies may benefit from whole-genome sequencing approaches and broader taxon sampling to better resolve the evolutionary relationships within Calvitimela and the Tephromelataceae.