It is found in the Andes of southern Ecuador (Zamora-Chinchipe Province) and northern Peru (Department of Piura).

Dorsal skin is coarsely shagreened with scattered low, round to subconical tubercles.

Dorsal coloration varies from reddish tan to dark brown, possibly with pale dorsolateral stripes.

[2] Pristimantis rhodoplichus inhabits dense, humid montane and cloud forest at elevations of 2,770–3,100 m (9,090–10,170 ft) above sea level.

It is threatened by habitat loss (deforestation) caused by agriculture (mostly livestock farming) and selective wood extraction.