[5] The holotype, collected by Eizi Matuda in 1941, was sent to Hartweg, who recognized it as unique but did not want to describe a new species based on just one specimen.

The species was eventually described in 1968 by William E. Duellman [fr], after further specimens had become available.

[2] The type series consisted of three specimens, an adult male (holotype) measuring 64 mm (2.5 in) in snout–vent length (SVL), and two subadult males measuring 42 and 48 mm (1.7 and 1.9 in) SVL.

The head is slightly wider than long and as wide as the body; the snout is short.

The dorsal coloration varies is dull olive-brown, olive-green, or pale green.