[3] The genus was circumscribed in 1894 by Swiss lichenologist Johannes Müller Argoviensis, with Candelariella vitellina assigned as the type species.

[4] The key feature of Candelariella species are the distinct yellow apothecia.

[5] Candelariella species are found across the globe, although most commonly described in North America, Asia, and Australia.

Species can be found on calcareous and non-calcareous rock, soil, tree bark, mosses, and other lichens.

These are: Tremella candelariellae, Polysporina subfuscescens, Sarcogyne sphaeospora, Arthonia almquistii, Caloplaca grimmiae, Carbonea vitellinaria, Trichonectria furcatosetosa, Lichenochora arctica, Sarcopyrenia cylindrospora, Zwackhiomyces lecanorae, Phoma candelariellae, Henfellra muriformis, Ascochyta candelariellicola, Taeniolella delicata, Intralichen christiansenii, and Intralichen lichenicola.