The lichen is found in soil crust communities over limestone and basaltic rock in desert habitats, as well as in partially sheltered areas between large boulders.

The type specimen was collected by the author in Wadi Asariah, Jabal Arays (Abyan Governorate) at an elevation of approximately 600 m (2,000 ft); there it was found growing on exposed soil over basaltic rock under an Anisotes trisulcus shrub.

The thallus is squamulose, resembling an areolate crust with somewhat angular to roundish squamules measuring 0.6–2.5 mm wide.

[2] Heppia arenacea is found in soil crust communities situated on limestone and basaltic rock in desert habitats.

This lichen has been observed at elevations ranging from 200 to 2,100 m (660 to 6,890 ft) and has been recorded in a few distant regions in southern Yemen such as Djaul plateau, Ras Fartak, Jabal Arays, Wadi Raiwa, as well as on Socotra.