The status of 183 samples of lichens belonging to the genusParmotrema, collected in Italy, has been revised on the basis of morphological and chemical characters. Chemical analyses were carried out by microchemical crystal tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Seven species ofParmotremaoccur in Italy:P. amoldii, P. crinitum, P. hypoleucinum, P. perlatum, P. reticulatum, P. robusturnandP. stuppeum.Their distribution patterns within Italy differ, but have in common a clear frequency maximum in regions with a suboceanic climate. The results of the quantitative chemical analyses show the presence of traces of several substances that were never reported before from some of the species.