Stems: 2–3(–6) cm, branches to 1 cm, usually shorter; paraphyllia usually unbranched. Stem: leaves spreading to wide-spreading when moist, broadly ovate; margins usually recurved proximally, plane in acumen, rarely erect; apex abruptly acuminate; laminal cells 5–6 µm wide, papillae 3–5. Branch: leaves erect when dry, spreading to wide-spreading when moist, 0.4 mm; apex gradually broadly acuminate; costa pellucid proximally; laminal cells 5–6 µm wide, papillae 4–6; apical cell pointed, smooth. Perichaetial: leaves 2.5 mm. Seta: 1–1.5 cm. Capsule: with operculum stoutly apiculate; endostome segments not or narrowly perforate, cilia in groups of 1 or 2. Spores: 17 µm, finely papillose. Phenology: Capsule maturity unknown.
Dead branches, rock. moderate elevations. Ariz., Mexico, West Indies, Central America, South America, e, s Africa.
Rauiella praelonga, occurring only rarely in the southwestern part of the flora area, differs from R. scita by the shorter acumen of the stem leaves and the smooth apical cell of the branch leaves. The species probably grows in mostly exposed habitats.