[1][4] The extant species are found in southwestern Europe and the Caucasus.

[2][3][5] Most recent studies suggests that Pelodytidae belongs to a clade containing three other families: Pelobatidae, Scaphiopodidae, and Megophryidae.

[4][5] Its sister taxon is the clade Pelobatidae+Megophryidae,[2][5] although older studies have suggested also other relationships.

[2] Modern pelodytids are moderately small frogs measuring 30–55 mm (1.2–2.2 in) in snout–vent length.

The family is also characterized by a number of anatomical and sceletal features,[5] including the fusion of the tibiale and fibulare that have been used to include the fossil taxa Miopelodytes and Tephrodytes in this family.