Leptogium lichens are predominantly found on tree bark or soil, often among mosses, and sometimes on rocks in moist environments.

[3] In 2013, a proposal supported by molecular phylogenetics data was made to conserve the genus Leptogium with a conserved type, aiming to maintain the current broader classification including both small-squamulose and larger foliose species within Leptogium, while segregating the smaller squamulose species into Scytinium.

The proposal was widely supported by the Nomenclature Committee for Fungi as it simplifies the taxonomy and maintains historical continuity for the genus Leptogium.

The true exciple is raised, cup-shaped, and mainly composed of periclinally arranged hyphae, with a colour that varies from colourless to reddish-brown.

The asci are club-shaped (clavate) and contain four to eight spores, with the wall and apical dome turning blue in response to potassium hydroxide and iodine.