The genus is characterized by its distinct lobes, orange zeorine apothecia when present, and the frequent occurrence of asexual propagules such as schizidia, isidia, or soredia.

Wetmoreana species are found across a wide geographical range, including the Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia, and occur in diverse habitats from sea level to high mountain environments.

The genus was originally circumscribed in 2013 with three species, but subsequent research, particularly a comprehensive revision by Wilk and Lücking in 2024, has significantly expanded its scope and refined its taxonomic boundaries.

The genus was circumscribed in 2013 by Ulf Arup, Ulrik Søchting, and Patrik Frödén, with Wetmoreana texana assigned as the type species.

The genus name honours lichenologist Clifford Wetmore, "in appreciation of his major contributions to the knowledge of the North American Teloschistaceae".

[3] In 2024, Karina Wilk and Robert Lücking revised the genus concept, synonymising Fulgogasparrea with Wetmoreana based on molecular and morphological evidence.

[6] The revision by Wilk and Lücking effectively transferred these species to Wetmoreana, significantly expanding the scope of the genus.

The genus has a wide geographical distribution, with species reported from the Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia, including the Arabian Peninsula and South Korea.

[4] These lichens demonstrate considerable altitudinal range, occurring from near sea level to high mountain environments.

In contrast, W. variegata appears to be confined to South America, having been recorded in Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru.

This suggests that the sequenced specimen may represent an undescribed species, indicating the need for further investigation to clarify the true identity and placement of W. appressa within Wetmoreana.