The type specimen was collected by Flakus by lake Copaiba near Reyes village in José Ballivián Province (Beni Department, Bolivia), where it was found growing on the plant leaves in the Amazon rainforest at an elevation of 189 m (620 ft).

The lichen's algal partner is a type of green alga with round cells, measuring 4–7 μm in diameter.

The spores are colourless and have a complex structure with multiple cross-walls (septa) and occasional lengthwise walls, measuring 35–65 by 5–8 μm.

Various other microscopic features are important for identifying this species, including the structure of the apothecium rim (excipulum), the hypothecium, and the branching threads (paraphyses) that grow between the asci.

[1] As of its initial description, Tapellaria intermedia had only been found in one location: near Reyes village in the Beni Department of Bolivia.