An overview of the cyanobacterial lichen genus Lichinella in southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico is given. Eleven species are briefly described, notes on relationships among the species are discussed, and distribution maps are provided. Lichinella granulosa is described as new to science. It forms granulose areoles or small squamules with slightly effigurate margins. The new species develops globose to short cylindrical or clavate outgrowths on the upper thallus surface. These progagules are interpreted as soredia. They may function as a second type of diaspore in addition to the sexually produced ascospores. The name change Lichinella myriospora is validated. Lichinella flexa, L. iodopulchra, L. myriospora, L. robustoides, and L. sinaica are new records to the lichen flora of the United States. Lichinella cribellifera, L. minnesotensis, and L. myriospora are new to Mexico.