[5] The Neo-Latin name, Lycognathophis, is derived from the Greek words λύκος (lykos) meaning "wolf", γνάθος (gnathos) meaning "jaw", and όφις (ophis) meaning "snake", referring to the snake's dentition.

The eye is moderate, with a vertically elliptic pupil but no loreal shield.

Body elongate; dorsal scales keeled, with apical pits, in 17 rows.

Tail long; anal divided; subcaudals paired.

[3] Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.