Its type locality is Kuatun (Guadun in modern spelling: Chinese: 挂墩; pinyin: guàdūn) in Wuyishan, Fujian.

It is named after Frederick William Styan, a Shanghai-based English tea merchant and ornithologist.

[3][4] Plagiopholis styani is a small non-venomous snake, reaching a total length (including tail) of up to 40 cm (16 in).

The upper body and tail have a spotted pattern of black or light yellow.

[3] Plagiopholis styani occurs in areas of montane and bamboo forest, including caves.