[1][3] The specific name derongo refers to its type locality, the village of Derongo in the Western Province (Papua New Guinea).

[2] Based on molecular evidence, it was transferred from Austrochaperina to Copiula in 2016.

The dorsal ground colour is olive to reddish brown, sometimes with dark speckles.

In most males (and in some females) the tip of the snout is much paler than the rest of the head.

It is locally common and occurs in remote areas with little human influence, and is therefore not considered threatened.