[2]  In 1930, Christian Erichsen transferred P. aureola to the genus Xanthoria at the species rank, resulting in the accepted binomial X.

[2]  Some countries in which X. aureola is commonly found include Spain, Portugal, France, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Italy, and the UK.

[5]  Additionally, the rough upper surface of X. aureola contains few apothecia and does not contain soredia or isidia; laminar structures are lobules.

[4][8]  The mean chlorophyll content per algal cell is 3.0-4.8 x 10−6 mg.[8] Environmental disturbance plays an important role in efficiency and productivity.

Lichen species are often used to monitor pollution since they are sensitive to SO2, heavy metals, salt, and high levels of UV.

[9]  Environmental stress (i.e., increased UV light) enhances the creation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide and hydrogen peroxide.

[9]  The formation of ROS was higher in all treatments with greater UV, although Xanthoria species showed the greatest resilience under harsh light conditions.

[10]  High UV, salt, and heavy metal concentrations increased membrane dissolution and electrolyte leakage.

[10]  X. aureola was more resistant to salt than other lichenized species Lobaria pulmonaria and Parmelia sulcata.

[10]  It is likely that zinc and iodine in seawater protect Trebouxia and increase resistance to high salt and UV.