[2] The eastern dwarf mulga snake was originally described in 1998 as Pailsus pailsei by Raymond Hoser.

Wolfgang Wüster identified that its specific name should be spelt pailsi under taxonomic rules in 2001.

[3] However, according to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Article 32.5.1) the original spelling should still be used, even though it is an incorrect latinisation.

[1] The specific name, pailsi, is in honour of Australian reptile breeder Roy Pails (born 1956).

[1] P. pailsi may attain a total length (including tail) of 107 cm (42 in).