The broad-palmed frog is pale to dark brown on it dorsal surface; it can have darker blotches or variegations.

A black band runs from the snout, through the eye and tympanum, and breaks into blotches down the side.

The broad-palmed frog will call in a large chorus during mating season, around a still water source, normally a dam, but may be a roadside ditch, temporary puddle or still area of a stream.

This species of frog can be found great distances from the breeding area and tends to inhabit open country or forest.

The developmental period is short, as eggs are often laid in very temporary water.