It is found in the temperate Nothofagus forests of Chile between 40°50'S and 45°20'S, and in the Lago Puelo National Park, Chubut Province, Argentina.

[1][3] The specific name emiliopugini honors Professor Emilio Pugín, for "his contribution to knowledge of the reproductive biology and development of the Chilean frogs".

The belly is whitish; mature males have bright orange gular area.

Females lay their eggs inside the holes; the free-swimming tadpoles develop in these water-filled cavities on the ground.

[1] It is threatened by habitat loss caused by fires and plantation of exotic trees for forestry.