Nolandia nolandi was first described by Kahl as Coleps nolandi. Based on morphological characteristics and genetic studies, the species was transferred to the genus Nolandia by Small & Lynn in 1985.

At low magnifications Nolandia nolandi is difficult to distinguish from Coleps hirtus var. minor, because both species have a similar size and body shape. Only at high magnification can the shape of the „windows“ in the armour be seen, which is essential for identification. In Nolandia nolandi the windows are narrow and kidney shaped. In my population I could detect 2 whole „windows“ and 2 half „windows“ per half cell. However, the number of half and whole „windows“ per half cell varies and is therefore not a definite identification characteristic. The decisive factor is the shape of the „windows“.