[2] The species is endemic to northwestern South America.

The specific name, ruthveni, is in honor of American herpetologist Alexander Grant Ruthven.

[3] M. ruthveni is found in Ecuador and Peru.

[2] The preferred natural habitat of M. ruthveni is forest, at altitudes of 1,400–2,250 m (4,590–7,380 ft).

This lizard from family Gymnophthalmidae article is a stub.