It is the only species in the monotypic genus Anepischetosia,[2] and is endemic to Australia.

The specific name, maccoyi, is in honor of Irish zoologist Frederick McCoy.

[3] The generic name, Anepischetosia, was created by Australian herpetologists Richard W. Wells and C. Ross Wellington in 1985 to replace the generic name, Anepischetos, which was preoccupied by a genus of moths.

The Reptile Database describes the species as being oviparous.

[2] However, Lucas and Frost, in their original description of the species in 1894, wrote, "Young developed within the body of the parent, eight or nine being brought forth in January or February.