The adults of Eudicella smithii reach about 25–40 millimetres (1.0–1.6 in) of length.

The males have a Y-shaped forked horn in the forehead, typical of the entire genus and used in fighting over females and in defense of territory.

The elytra vary from ocher to yellowish and show a black spot on the shoulders and on the rear exterior angles.

In captivity, adults are fed a diet of bananas, mangoes, melons, and other soft fruits.

[2] This species can be found in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Tanzania.