It is endemic to the Ecuadorean Andes and occurs in the Cordillera de Matanga in the Azuay and Morona-Santiago Provinces.

[3][4] The specific name pycnodermis is Greek and means "thick skin", a characteristic of this species.

Preserved specimens are brown with large black blotches on the flanks and the limbs.

[2] Pristimantis pycnodermis primarily inhabits paramos but it can also occur in meadows and pastures in upper cloud forests.

It is threatened by habitat loss and deterioration caused by agriculture (crops, livestock) and human settlements.