[1][3] The specific name subvoce is Latin for "under voice" and refers to the very subdued male advertisement call of this frog.

Skin is smooth but there is a pair of slightly elevated, elongated dorsolateral glandular patches.

[2] Arthroleptella subvoce occurs in thickly vegetated seeps dominated by restios within montane fynbos at elevations of 900–1,100 m (3,000–3,600 ft) above sea level.

While its range falls almost entirely in this protected area, it is threatened by habitat loss and deterioration caused by fires and alien plants.

One of the localities is close to human residences, making contamination of water a potential threat.