Pseudocalotes was disassociated from the genus Calotes by Scott Michael Moody in 1980.

Pseudocalotes is distinguished from Calotes in having weak limbs, as may be noted in one of the species named brevipes.

It is distinguished from the C. versicolor group in having mixed orientation of dorsal scales, and lacking spines on the head.

It is distinguished from Bronchocela in lacking a cheek skin fold, and in having short weak limbs.

Pseudocalotes species do not have any enlarged compressed set of scales behind the orbit.