D. baeomyces was, however, found to belong to a clade that also includes Siphula ceratites and Thamnolia vermicularis.

[5] A subsequent study by Platt and Spatafora, published in the journal Mycologia in 2000, used further DNA sequencing assays to establish that "Baeomycetaceae [to which B. rufus belongs] is a distinct taxon from the Icmadophilaceae [to which D. baeomyces belongs] and the two families represent independent lichenization events.

[3] D. baeomyces is related to Icmadophila ericetorum, the candy lichen, and the two species superficially resemble one another.

[2] In some parts of North America where ranges overlap, both D. baeomyces and I. ericetorum are colloquially referred to as "fairy puke" lichen, leading to further confusion between the species.

[3] It prefers to grow directly on unstable soils such as loose sand or dry clay, and in full sun.