The species epithet imitans (Latin for "imitating" or "mimicking") refers to the potential confusion of its ascomata (fruiting bodies) with the true fructifications of its host lichen.

[2] Lecanographa imitans is characterised by its parasitic nature, causing discoloured widenings and swellings on the branches of R. humboldtiana.

The fungus causes significant alterations to its host's structure, including changes in the cortical hyphae arrangement and algal layer.

L. imitans belongs to the L. grumulosa group but shows unique features, including persistent false thalline margins around its ascomata and larger, mostly six-celled ascospores.

The species is known only from Baltra and Pinzón islands in the Galápagos Archipelago, where it inhabits the humid coastal areas, primarily on mangroves and sclerophyllous shrubs.