The etymology of the species epithet, "granulomatis" refers to the ability of the fungus to cause granulomatous disease in susceptible reptiles.

[1] The first documented case of M. granulomatis was seen in the Copenhagen Zoo, showing morphology similar to Metarhizium viride (previously called P.

Colonies on Potato dextrose agar (PDA) after 3 days incubation at 30 °C (86 °F) are white in colour and reach 3 mm in diameter.

[4] The hyphae of M. granulomatis are septate and bear phialides that have single apical openings (monophialides) resembling a wine bottle.

[4] Common clinical signs seen in the veiled chameleons for this fungal disease are anorexia, hemorrhages in the tongue, necrotic toes, and ulcerative skin lesions.

[5] After death, cultures from the veiled lizard can be taken from the tongue, liver, lung, heart, kidney, small and large intestines.