Usnea subcomplecta was first described by Camille Truong, Philippe Clerc, and Maria de los Angeles Herrera-Campos in 2018.

[2] The thallus of Usnea subcomplecta is erect-shrubby to sub-pendulous, flaccid, and soft to the touch.

[2] The distinguishing features of Usnea subcomplecta include its flaccid thallus with slightly inflated branches, blackish base below the first ramification, and plane, circular soralia.

[2] Usnea subcomplecta is believed to be endemic to the Galápagos Islands, where it is a common species.

The lichen is usually found in open, often disturbed habitats such as farmland areas, fence posts, and trees along pastures.