The genus contains only one species, Ecpleopus gaudichaudii, which is endemic to Brazil.

[2] The specific name, gaudichaudii, is in honor of French botanist Charles Gaudichaud-Beaupré.

[4] E. gaudichaudii is found in the Atlantic Forest in the Brazilian states of Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo.

[1] E. gaudichaudii may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 5 cm (2.0 in).

[1] E. gaudichaudii preys upon small invertebrates such as termites, orthopterans, and spiders.