[2] This species is named for Carlos Alberto Gonçalves da Cruz, Brazilian herpetologist.

The tympanum is small and its upper part is hidden by the supratympanic fold.

The concealed parts of the limbs and flanks are orange with many small purple spots.

[2] Phasmahyla cruzi have been collected from a stream with a sandy bottom at an elevation of about 200 m (660 ft) and higher.

In general, Phasmahyla are associated with mountain streams in the Atlantic Forest domain.