[3][4] It is endemic to Michoacán state, Mexico,[3] where it is locally known as rana de Pátzcuaro.

[1][3] The specific name dunni honors Emmett Reid Dunn, a prominent American herpetologist.

The dorsum is dark grey with few indistinct, asymmetric yellow-gray markings.

[1] Most of the types were collected in shallow water (0.2–0.5 m (6–18 in) deep) with abundant vegetation.

[1] A major threat to this species is harvesting—it is considered delicious by local people.