The current scientific name is Casiomys alfaroi. A 1946 description from Costa Rica reports an ochraceous back mixed with black hairs and a buff-white underside. A survey in Chiapas recorded it at Bird Friendly shade-coffee farms under its former combination, Handleyomys alfaroi.
In Goodwin’s description of the nominotypical subspecies from Costa Rica, the short, close dorsal fur is ochraceous buff to dull ochraceous tawny, mixed with black hairs. The cheeks and sides are brighter ochraceous buff, and the underside is buff white.
A 2016 survey recorded the former combination Handleyomys alfaroi at Bird Friendly certified shade-coffee farms in Soconusco, Chiapas. This is a record from the surveyed sites.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.