[1] Melanophryniscus peritus was described in 2011 by Ulisses Caramaschi and Carlos Alberto Gonçalves da Cruz.

[2] The species is only known from its type locality, Pico do Selado [pt] in the Mantiqueira mountain range of southeastern Brazil at about 1,800–2,000 m (5,900–6,600 ft) above sea level.

Based on the activities of other members of the genus, Melanophryniscus peritus is believed to inhabit small ponds, flooded areas near rivulets, and bromeliads.

[2] The only known specimen of Melanophryniscus peritus was collected on November 4, 1953 by German-Brazilian naturalist Helmut Sick.

Multiple surveys of the species' known range have failed to uncover any more individuals, and it is listed as "critically endangered" and possibly extinct.