Although several new techniques for isolating and culturing lichens have been reported in recent years, there is little information available concerning the variability in development of species from different taxonomic groups. A comparison of the early stages of the germination and growth of Xanthoria parietina (Teloschistaceae), Parmelia saxatilis (Parmeliaceae), Physconia distorta and two Diplotomma species (Physciaceae) was performed on two different media: one inorganic, and the other containing 4% glucose (LBM; Lilly-Barnett medium). Different germination and development rates, and isolation success rate (single- and multispore cultures) are reported. The new combination Diplotomma rivasmartinezii (Barreno & A. Crespo) Barreno & A. Crespo is made.