Stems julaceous when dry; pseudoparaphyllia foliose. Leaves 1-1.5(-2) mm; base slightly decurrent; apex very slender; alar cells in many rows extending up margin; laminal cells 20-26(-34) × (7-)10(-13)µm.

Non-calcareous, vertical rock faces, soil in rock crevices; moderate elevations; Alaska, Colo., N.Mex.; Mexico (Veracruz); South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Peru); Eurasia; Africa (Lesotho).

Leptopterigynandrum austroalpinum resembles species of Pseudoleskeella and grows in similar habitats. However, the leaves are more appressed, never catenulate, and the laminal cells are several times longer than wide. The tiny papillae are difficult to see without an oil immersion lens. In Colorado, this species does not appear to be especially rare, but may easily be mistaken for the common P. tectorum. Revisionary studies are needed to establish the distinctness of the six Asiatic taxa, all of which may well be identical to the one from the Western Hemisphere.