It is characterized by a long, pointed snout, small eyes and ears, and one claw on a digit of each of the thin limbs.

The generic name derives from the Greek words rhynchos ("snout") and lestes ("robber", "pirate").

The specific name comes from the Greek raphanos ("cabbage"), referring to the thick tail of this caenolestid.

The Spanish name for this caenolestid, comadrejita trompuda, is the combination of comadreja ("weasel") and trompa ("snout").

The smooth coat is dark greyish brown, without countershading (greater pigmentation on the upper side).

[7] It is characterized by a long, pointed snout, small eyes and ears, and one claw on a digit of each of the thin limbs.

[10] The rodent-like incisors help in killing vertebrate prey and searching for insects in crevices.

[14] In 2023 the species was reported from 17 sites within the Valdivian Coastal Reserve and the Alerce Costero National Park.