[citation needed] It remains metabolically active in temperatures down to −20 °C (−4 °F), and can absorb small amounts of liquid water in an environment with ice and snow.

[5] It is similar to Acarospora schleicheri, which grows on soil (terricolous lichen) and rarely on rock, and to Pleopsidium flavum.

[6]: 186  that grows in high elevations (montane to alpine) on vertical or overhanging hard felsic rock (e.g. granite) in western North America.

[6]: 186 Its thallus grows in a circular, outwardly radiating pattern (placodioid), with 1 mm wide lobed edges.

[6]: 186  It differs from Pleopsidium flavum in having a smooth, smaller squamulose thallus and larger apothecia (spore producing structures).