In addition to E. appalachianum, the other Encyonema species that lack strong valve asymmetry and stigmata are E. lacustre, E. rumrichae and E. aueri. Encyonema lacustre is considerably larger than E. appalachianum. Encyonema rumrichae and E. aueri are similar in size, but the valves are more asymmetric, with more convex dorsal margins.