Larger males have darker bellies than smaller males, and older females have more spots on their throats than younger females.

[4] Scientists gave this frog the Latin name anthracinus for the coal-black color of its stripes.

It appears to have declined dramatically, possibly due to chytridiomycosis.

It is also threatened by habitat loss, which scientists attribute to agriculture, development, human transportation routes, and pyroclastic events.

[1] The frog's range includes some protected parks, for example Parque Nacional Sangay, Parque Nacional Rio Negro Sopladora, Parque Nacional Cajas, and Siete Iglesias Municipal Ecological Conservation Area.