[1][2] It is endemic to Southeast and South Brazil and is known primarily from the Serra do Mar in Espírito Santo,[1] Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo state, Paraná, and Santa Catarina states.

[3] The snout is pointed or pointed-subelliptical in dorsal view and acute or rounded-acute in profile.

The finger and toe tips are rounded or slightly swollen but without discs; webbing is also absent.

Breeding takes place in temporary ponds where a foam nest is built.

[1] Physalaemus maculiventris is a common species, but it can be threatened by habitat loss caused by agriculture, livestock grazing, clear-cutting, tourism, and human settlement.