This is a medium-sized highly cryptic arboreal species. They can grow up to 1 meter in length.
It is endemic to Madagascar and found in deciduous dry forests and rain forests, often in vegetation 1.5 to 2 meters above the ground.
There is considerable sexual dimorphism within the species. The males are dorsally brown and ventrally yellow with a long tapering snout.
The females are mottled grey with a flattened, leaf shaped snout.
The function of their appendage is unknown, but obviously also serves as camouflage.
It is largely a sit-and-wait predator. It may show curious resting behaviour, hanging straight down from a branch.
Prey items include arboreal and terrestrial lizards.
Leaf-nosed snakes are oviparous with clutch sizes ranging from 5 to 11 eggs
Malagasy leaf-nosed snakes are generally calm and reluctant to bite unless provoked.
Envenomation by the snake causes severe pain in humans, but is not deadly.