 The fossils included several well-preserved articulated partial skeletons and various isolated bones.Kermack refrained from naming the animal or nominating a type specimen, as preparation of the fossils was still ongoing.The specimens were eventually named and thoroughly described by P. J. Crush in 1984, with the generic name "Terrestrisuchus" chosen to emphasise the terrestrial lifestyle of this crocodylomorph, and the specific name from the Latin "gracilis" for its light, graceful build.