The specific epithet occidentalis refers to its distribution in the western part of the continent.

The eyes are perched on top of the flat head, which has a large mouth.

[1] The species breeds in temporary water bodies, mainly in the arid zone.

The frog can aestivate for months in a burrow while conditions are dry, shedding its skin to form a cocoon, until cyclonic rains fill depressions in the landscape and trigger breeding activity.

[1] The species has a wide distribution in arid and semi-arid parts of central Western Australia, southwards from Karratha to Kalgoorlie and eastwards from the west coast to the Canning Stock Route and Mavis Rock.