[1][2] The specific name batesi honours George Latimer Bates, an American naturalist.

[2][3] Astylosternus batesi was described based on a single specimen (holotype) that measures 70 mm (2.8 in) in snout–vent length.

The tympanum is very distinct, oval, and slightly smaller than the eye; a glandular fold is present above it.

Fingers and toes have slightly swollen tips; no webbing is present.

The terminal phalange of all but the innermost toe have a sharp, curved non-retractile bony claw (a trait shared by all species in the genus[5]).