[1] The genus comprises large-sized sciapodines mostly with a strongly sinuate m-cu and simple digitiform cercus.

Development of similar characters on some species, such as the stub-vein on m-cu, further unites the two disjunct groups.

The separation of Heteropsilopus into Australian and Indian groups is more a matter of geographical convenience than sharp morphological difference.

[2] The disjunction of Heteropsilopus in Australia and India suggests a widespread eastern Gondwanan distribution in place during the Lower Cretaceous.

In India the genus is restricted to mountains above 900 m in the elevated physiographic region of the 'Western Ghats' or 'Southern Blocks', and is unknown from the lowlands.