The black-spotted, gilded, and brown-chested barbets (C. brunneipectus) apparently form a superspecies.

The adult female is similarly colored but more heavily marked; its upperparts have pale flecks on the black and the breast and belly are spotted or streaked.

[3] The black-spotted barbet is found in the eastern parts of Venezuela's Bolívar and Delta Amacuro states, the three countries of the Guianas, and the Brazilian states of Roraima, Pará, and Amapá north of the Amazon River.

It inhabits the interiors of a variety of forest types including terra firme, riparian, and várzea.

[1] Though its population has not been quantified, the species is uncommon to widespread in its range and occurs in several protected areas.