The Catillaria Chalybeia lichen looks like tiny black dots usually found growing on top of other rock lichens. The black dots are very small, ranging from just 0.15 mm to 0.5 mm in diameter.
The rims on Apothecia are narrow and black, the discs may be black also but are usually a dark grey with a flat surface. Apothecia are scattered widely across the rock and are rarely found in clusters.
Found growing on silica-rich rocks usually, although some specimens have been found on rotten fence posts and dead trees.
Very rare on calcareous rocks. Sometimes found on rocky ocean shores. About 150 species are known worldwide and can be found from sea level to about 500 meters. They are found in all of the Pacific Northwest.