Its species epithet, lobulata, derived from Latin, refers to the numerous small lobes, or lobules, present on the lichen's body.

The upper surface is dark olive-green, uneven in colour, and rough (rugose), sometimes showing cracks, without any powdery or granular cover (epruinose).

The lower surface is matt, nearly black, and tightly adheres to the substrate with a central, short attachment point (umbilicus).

The inner layer (medulla) is composed of loosely interwoven fungal filaments (hyphae) and round cells, while the lower cortex is tightly packed (paraplectenchymatous) and about 30 μm thick.

[1] Peltula lobulata is found growing on sun-exposed red shale and grey sandstone along roadsides at low mountain altitudes.