It has an uncertain placement (incertae sedis) within subfamily Centroleninae (hence the quotation marks around the genus).

It is endemic to Peru and only known from the vicinity of its type locality near Cerro Blanco, in the Zaña River watershed, Department of Cajamarca.

[1][3] The specific name euhystrix (from Greek prefix eu, "very", and hystrix, "porcupine") refers to the unusually spiny appearance of this frog, especially males.

There are many light green spicules, especially on the eyelids lips, that give the upper parts a finely dotted appearance.

There is severe habitat loss and fragmentation in the area, even affecting the Bosques Nublados de Udima Wildlife Refuge that lies within the range of this species (although it has not been recorded in the reserve).