[citation needed] The specific name, guentheri, is named after the German-born British herpetologist Albert Günther.

[2][3] A. guentheri is a burrowing snake restricted to the lowlands of Sri Lanka.

Localities recorded include Ratnapura, Deniyaya, Yapitikanda, Kandilpana, Kosgama, Kalutara, and Balangoda at altitudes of 100–500 m (330–1,640 ft).

[citation needed] The head of A. guentheri is indistinct from the neck, and the body is cylindrical.

The forehead is dark, and a pale neck band is present.