The Appert's tetraka is around 15 cm (5.9 in) long with a pink bill and grey legs.

The flanks and belly are washed orange and the undersides are white.

Family groups of up to 8 birds, sometimes in association with other species, forage on insects gleaned from under leaves and branches.

The Appert's tetraka is currently restricted to two known locations in south-west Madagascar.

The common name and scientific name commemorate the Reverend Otto Appert, a Swiss missionary in Madagascar who was also an amateur naturalist.