Neophilaenus species can be distinguished as adults from Philaenus spumarius by the more parallel outer edges of the wings when viewed from above (as opposed to the more convex outline of P. spumarius) and their overall pattern of markings. They are much smaller than Aphrophora species. 
 
N. exclamationis is easily recognised by the markings along the outer edges of the wings, consisting of a pale line along the basal two-thirds, and a distinctive pale patch towards the tip; together, these resemble an exclamation mark (hence the species’ name). The rest of the wing surface is primarily a dull chestnut- to dark-brown, often with a dark streak towards the apex of the inner wing margins.