It is distributed from the southwestern United States to Central America, including several Caribbean islands.

It can be distinguished from Acanthophrynus by its lack of spines in the frontal region of the carapace.

The remaining member of the family Phrynidae, Heterophrynus, does not seem to be sympatric with any species of this genus.

The longer front legs are sensory organs that are used to "feel" about and locate its prey, which they then ensnare with the spiny pedipalps.

[5] Research conducted by biologists also found that the front legs of P. laevifronsis are used to navigate to their refuge prior to dawn, usually spending the night hunting for prey on the vertical surfaces of tree trunks in a neotropical environment.