This was based on molecular genetic evidence that indicated deep divergence between an Amazonian and an Atlantic Forest clade, the latter retaining the name Dendrophryniscus whereas the former was described as a new genus Amazonella,[3] later amended to Amazophrynella because of homonymy.

The species of Dendrophryniscus are small to medium-sized toads measuring 15–47 mm (0.59–1.85 in) in snout–vent length.

Their body form resembles those of the genus Atelopus.

The parotoid glands are absent, as are external tympana.

In contrast, species of the genus Amazophrynella are pond breeders, which is presumably an ancestral trait in bufonids.