It has the ability to change its skin colour to match its surroundings and possesses dermal flaps which break up its outline when at rest.

U. sameiti was originally described as a subspecies of U. sikorae,[2] to which it is closely related,[3] based on the light colouration of its oral mucosa.

[3] Phylogenically, U. sameiti has been placed within a monophyletic complex consisting of three other species of Uroplatus: U. fimbriatus, U. giganteus, U. henkeli, and U. sikorae.

Their eyes are large, lidless, and have yellow sclera with elliptical pupils, suited for the gecko's nocturnal habits.

[3] It is unknown how many of these geckos are present in the pet trade, due to their overall similarity with U. sikorae, and the new confusion that has arisen in light of the non-diagnostic nature of their oral mucosa.

Habitat destruction and deforestation in Madagascar is the primary threat to this animal's future as well as collection for the pet trade.