[1][2] They are found in tropical South America north and east of the Andes.

As of mid 2021,[1] it is recognized as including the former Syncope, but consisting of three clades ranked as subgenera:[1][3] Of these, Relictocleis is the most divergent[3] and may even be considered a separate, monotypic genus, with Relictocleis gnoma as its sole member.

They are sexually dimorphic, with males having darker chin, abundant to no dermal spines, and variable degree of pedal webbing.

[3] Chiasmocleis are fossorial or semi-fossorial and well camouflaged among the leaf litter or underground.

They only forage on the surface for a few days during periods of explosive breeding at the beginning of the rainy season.