[1][2] The genus occurs in the Philippines, Borneo, Malaya including Singapore, and Hainan (China).

Molecular data suggest that Pelophryne is the sister taxon of Ansonia.

They can easily be recognized by the peculiar, fleshy web of their fingers and toes.

[3] The tadpoles are specialized for rapid development in very small rain water pools.

The eggs are relatively large, and the tadpoles appear to subsist the larval period on yolk.