This species is distinguished by its relatively short and stout body shape. Both species share a common feature, a lateral seta, which is a small bristle-like structure located near the end of a relatively short furca, a forked structure found at the end of the abdomen. One of the key differences is in the morphology of the last segment of the thorax, which is more prominent and noticeable in this species. Additionally, the final pair of legs, referred to as p5, is more conspicuous in this species. In terms of the antennae, Microcyclops varicans has 12 joints in its antennae, setting it apart from related species. Regarding coloration, M. varicans typically presents with a whitish body that may exhibit a faint yellow or reddish tinge. Notably, this species displays sexual dimorphism, with females measuring in the range of 0.6 to 0.9 millimeters in length, while males are slightly smaller, with a length of around 0.6 millimeters.