Adult: Species description based on Savage (2002). A small frog (males to 19 mm, females to 29 mm). Dorsal: Dorsal coloration ranges from dark grey to black. The dorsal surface is mildly tuberculate. Ventral: The ventral surface is mostly dark brown. Concealed surfaces: Large, irregularly-shaped silvery white spots are present all along the sides of the body, including in the armpit and groin. These spots also extend down onto the thighs and lower limbs. Eye: The iris is copper-colored.
Habitat: Lowland and premontane forest to 1450 m. Ecology: This species is nocturnal (Savage 2002). It is generally encountered on low vegetation (Savage 2002). Call: This species does not call (Savage 2002). Type locality: La Loma, in the cloud forest on trail from Chiriquicito to Boquete, Bocas del Toro Province, Panama
Diagnostic description: The maximum standard length of males is 19 mm. and females is 27 mm.
The groin and the anterior surface of the thigh show clear round spots on a background of gray to black. The heel is smooth or with a few small tubers, similar to other scattered tubercles on the lower limb size. The discs of the outer fingers are large, the same size as the eardrum. The legs lacking webbing. Ll finger is longer than l, lll and lV-fingers show clearly expanded discs.
Adult males lack nuptial pads, but have vocal slits.
Reproduction: Encapsulated produce eggs which are laid in terrestrial conditions, with direct development (no tadpoles) (Savage 2002).
Distribution in Costa Rica: In the midlands the Pacific side of the Talamanca mountain range, south of the country, between 880 and 1,220 m. Lift (Savage 2002).
Distribution outside Costa Rica: Found in Costa Rica and Panama.