The species was described in 1931 by Chapman Grant and named after notable American herpetologist and artist Doris Mable Cochran.

[3] The species received one of its common names from the loud croaking call of the male during the mating period.

[citation needed] The colour of its body varies from beige brown to chestnut red and the back exhibits light spots.

A dark chestnut crossband extends from the snout to the head, the nape, and the eyes.

[citation needed] It is nocturnal and arboreal, which means that it lives and preys entirely on the branches or under the bark of ficus trees or fan palms (Thrinax morrisii ).