V. rainerguentheri was described in 2007 from specimens originally designated as V. indicus from the island of Halmahera in the northern Moluccas, Indonesia.

[citation needed] The specific name, rainerguentheri, is in honor of German herpetologist Rainer Günther.

The dorsal pattern consists of ocelli with yellow centers, arranged in transverse rows.

[citation needed] V. rainerguentheri was originally described from Halmahera, where it is now known to occur throughout the island.

It is also found on the islands of Morotai, Ternate, Tidore, Gebe, Bacan, Kasiruta, and Obi.