It is endemic to Ecuador where it is only known from its type locality in the Maquipucuna reserve, in the Pichincha Province.

It is black dorsally and laterally, with a bright yellow dorsolateral stripe that extend to eye.

"Maquipuncuna" is a Quechua word that refers to steep valleys that resemble cupped hands.

The IUCN classifies this species as critically endangered and possibly extinct, with no more than 50 mature individuals expected alive as of 2022.

Scientist believes it may have been subject to climate events of the later 1980s and to the fungal disease chytridiomycosis.