Rose-red or brownish-red crusts, 0.2-0.5 mm thick, of indefinite extent, closely adherent to substrate, without rhizoids; without surface markings. 

Key characteristics : Thin, extensive crust with irregular outlines; only red crust that grows on rock in the upper half of the shore.

Similar species: Difficult to distinguish from the closely-related Hildenbrandia prototypus Nardo (not included), with which it frequently occurs.

Original publication: Meneghini, G. (1841). Algologia dalmatica. Atti della terza Riunione degli scienziati italiani tenuta in Firenze 3: 424-431.

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Key references: Braune, W. (2008). Meeresalgen. Ein Farbbildführer zu den verbreiteten benthischen Grün- Braun- und Rotalgen der Weltmeere. pp. [1]-596, 266 pls. Ruggell: A.R.G. Gantner Verlag.

Dawes, C.J. & Mathieson, A.C. (2008). The seaweeds of Florida. pp. [i]- viii, [1]-591, [592], pls I-LI. Gainesville, Florida: University Press of Florida.

References: Kim, K.Y. & Garbary, D.J. (2006). Fluorescence responses of photosynthesis to extremes of hyposalinity, freezing and desiccation in the intertidal crust Hildenbrandia rubra (Hildebrandiales, Rhodophyta). Phycologia 45(6): 680-686, 7 figs. Web link

Pueschel, C.M. (1988). Cell sloughing and chloroplast inclusions in Hildenbrandia rubra (Rhodophyta, Hildenbrandiales). British Phycological Journal 23: 17-23. Web link

Basionym: Verrucaria rubra Sommerfelt

Type locality: Hab. in lapidibus a fluxu maris inundatis ad litora Nordlandiae frequenter [Nordland, Norway] (Sommerfelt 1826: 140). Lectotype: O (Irvine & Pueschel 1994: 240). Notes: According to Irvine & Pueschel (1994: the lectotype: is from Norway (Saltdal). Sherwood & Sheath (2003: 411) give the following data: Holotype: Yaltdalen. Sommerfelt (vii. 1822); in O (no number given).