Differing from known pistosauroids in the combination of the following characters: seven premaxillary teeth, single interpterygoid vacuity with a narrow anterior extension, anterior extension of parasphenoid, elongate snout with slender teeth, pineal foramen reaching frontal/parietal suture, nasal present, sharp parietal crest, long mandibular symphysis, prominent coronoid process, slender humerus and epipodials, and hourglass- shaped ulna.

The species name in honor of Professor Jinling Li of the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, China, for her leadership and contribution to the recent study of the Chinese Triassic marine vertebrate fauna.