[1][5][6][7] The specific name ignescens means "to catch fire," presumably in reference to the orange ventral color of this species.

[10] Later studies have indicated that its closest relative is an undescribed species from central Ecuador (Bolívar and Chimborazo Provinces).

[8] With the last recorded sighting dating to 1988, the species was thought to be extinct until early 2016, when a relict population was discovered in an undisclosed location.

[5] Atelopus ignescens was formerly abundant along streams, rivers and ponds of the páramo surrounding the Ecuadorian capital city of Quito.

Other threats include habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and invasive rainbow trout.