[4] The specific name, thurstoni, is in honor of British zoologist Edgar Thurston.

[5] In western India, G. thurstoni has been found in southern Goa, from sea level to approximately 1,200 m elevation (4,000 feet),[2] and in Kerala.

[3] The type locality given is "Nilgiri Hills, Brit.

[1] G. thurstoni may attain a total length (including tail) of 30 cm (12 in).

The body is light brown or yellowish dorsally, and paler ventrally.