Descriptions and a key for identification are provided for the North American representatives of the foliose lichen genus Anaptychia (Physciaceae). Five species are accepted for the North American mycota, and a sixth species presently in the North American checklist, A. isidiata, is excluded, since its single report was based on a misidentification. Anaptychia crinalis is shown to be the correct name for the North American taxon presently referred to as A. setifera. Variolaric acid is reported from the genus for the first time.