[2] M. splendidus was originally described by J. O. Westwood in 1835 as having a short, oval-shaped body, a blunt head, thick anterior femora, round eyes, and simple antennae.

In the same work, Westwood described the genus Metallyticus as distinct from other mantis genera by the iridescent color, short pronotum, and the exposed tip of the abdomen when wings are closed.

Other traits of M. splendidus and other Metallyticus species are autapomorphic, including the metallic coloration and large outer spine on the front femur.

[8][9] The egg of M. splendidus is roughly shaped like a prolate spheroid, with a slight anterior constriction and concave dorsal side.

They typically dart to catch prey and bring them back to a crevice to feed, rather than ambushing them like most mantis species.