Aneura maxima (Schiffn.) Steph. has been discovered for the first time in Europe in the Belgian part of the Ardennes Massif. It had previously been reported only from Asia (Indonesia, Japan, India), New Caledonia and eastern North America. A description and illustration of the European material is provided and key characters distinguishing A. maxima from A. pinguis are summarized. Features of its ecology and particulars of its distribution are given.