[1][4] It is endemic to the Sierra de Omoa [fr] in northwest Honduras where it has been recorded from Cusuco National Park and Merendón Reserve.

Adult frogs can be found on palms and low vegetation, particularly in bromeliads of the genus Catopsis.

[1] The specific name of this frog, melacaena, comes from Greek language words meaning "black" and "thorn or spine."

[2] This frog has been assessed as "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): although locally common, its range is small and its habitat is declining in both extent and quality.

Other threats include expanding human settlements, agricultural chemicals, forest fires, and logging.