The identity of three misunderstood and neglected cyanobacterial lichens from the southwestern United States is clarified based on type material studies. Anema dodgei is synonymous with Heppia despreauxii. Psorotichia segregata is identical with Lempholemma chalazanum. Psorotichia squamulosa belongs to the genus Gloeoheppia and the new combination Gloeoheppia squamulosa is proposed. The generic boundary between Gloeoheppia and Pseudopeltula is discussed and a key to the species of these two genera occurring in southwestern North America, Central America and the Caribbean is provided.