It is widely distributed through the world, where it grows on natural and artificial rocky substrates in the shade, often in sheltered underhangs.

[3] Psilolechia lucida forms a sulphur-yellow to yellowish green crust, although the colour is greener when the surface is wet.

The apothecia (typically less than 0.3 mm in diameter) are yellow, ranging in shape from hemispherical to irregular and lumpy, and lack margins.

[6] In Asia, Psilolechia lucida has been reported from Japan;[7] from the Middle East is found in Turkey;[8] from Africa, it is known from the Canary Islands, and Madeira.

[3] Chrysothrix flavovirens, the yellow pine dust lichen, is similar in morphology and could be confused with Psilolechia lucida.