It is endemic to Nicaragua, specifically among the volcanic mountains in the department of Jinotega and in the Bosawás Biosphere Reserve.

[1] The genus Phrynus is directly derived from the Greek word "φρῦνος", meaning toad.

The species is named in honor of Professor Jean-Michel Maes, one of the collectors of the type specimens.

While their pedipalp spines are similar to females, they exhibit a distinctly large male genital operculum.

It can be distinguished from P. operculatus by its broader genital operculum in males and narrower female gonopod sclerites.