This species of lizard has a large head that is elongated and depressed, with the cheeks swollen in adult males.

The canthus rostralis and supraciliary (brow) has a clear and sharp edge, two small separated spines or groups of spines above the ear are present or absent; the diameter of the tympanum is half or a little more than half that of the orbit; it has 10 to 13 upper and as many lower labial scales.

In the adult male, it is distinctly swollen at the base, the scales on that part of it are thickened, and those of the upper median row are enlarged.

The male has pale brownish colour on the top of the head and back, while the lips are yellowish-brown, and this extends as a strip beyond the ear.

A dark brown or black lateral stripe begins behind the eye and broadens to cover the lower sides.

Males bask openly on exposed rocks and show head push-up displays.