The cortex is not more than 75 μm thick, in contrast to that of Niebla dissecta, 75–110 μm thick, a similar species that further differs by a more regularly branched thallus, one that is also broader at the base than above the base.

Black dot-like pycnidia are infrequent and inconspicuous at tips of the ultimate branches.

Pigmentation is weak near base of thallus, the cortex appearing brownish with blackish areas.

[1] Niebla dactylifera was recognized as a result of undertaking a taxonomic revision of the genus in regard towards development of a lichen flora of Baja California, beginning in 1986.

Additional specimens were studied through loans obtained by the U.S. National Herbarium (Smithsonian Institution)[2] from the University of Colorado at Boulder and from the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.