In morphology-based parsimony and compatibility analyses Arnold (1989) recognized a clade called the "Equatorial African group" including Adolfus, Gastropholis, and Holaspis.

There are two longitudinal rows of smooth broad band-like scales down the vertebral line of the back and on the tail.

On each side of the back outside the large dorsal scales there runs a turquoise to sky blue longitudinal stripe which fuses on the tail base.

Ventrally the lizards are coloured yellow or orange to greenish-orange, partly with a mother-of-pearl shimmer.

The serrated tail is considered as an additional tree climbing adaption to increase grip.

[5][6][2][3][7] They are active hunters of small insects and other arthropods like ants, grasshoppers and spiders, often investigating crevices in which they also frequently hide.

[6][7][8] The species of Holaspis are unique among lacertids in being capable of gliding flight between trees up to 30 m distance.

Their bones are packed full of air spaces, making the lizard's skeleton feather light for gliding.

[6][2][9][10][11][12][13] Like many other lacertids, Holaspis flattens its body when basking by rotating the dorsal ribs forward.

In Holaspis however, this same behaviour was exapted for flight, spreading and flattening the body until it is round like a coin.