This species is similar to Oplurus cuvieri, but has a narrower black "collar" and a different arrangement of spiky scales on the tail. These are typically found in drier environments than O. cuvieri, but in some places they are both present.

Here is a list of all the reptiles and frogs I saw on this 2023 trip to Madagascar.

This was the third most common lizard basking along the sandy trails through this reserve, after Chalarodon madagascariensis and Tracheloptychus petersi.