[2] It can be distinguished from P. aurotaenia by the absence of abundant blue or silver specks or marbling in the venter and limbs, its uniform black or bluish-black body, and its orange or red, rather than green or yellow, stripes.

The species was named to honour Colombian biologist Cristian Samper, for his lasting impact on the world of conservation, overseeing initiatives that span across 65 countries.

The species is known to occur in the wet forests along the lower San Juan and Dagua river basins in the vicinities of Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, extending eastwards to the foothills of the Cordillera Occiental, but not surpassing elevations above 200 m (660 ft) above sea level.

The known distribution range of this species includes seven localities enclosed within a ~1,000 km2 (400 sq mi) polygon, where deforestation due to agriculture, the expansion of urban Buenaventura, and gold mining operations will certainly reduce the amount and quality of habitat.

Indeed, some species of Phyllobates remain the only known to be formerly used by Chocó indigenous people in western Colombia to poison blowgun darts.