It is endemic to Colombia and occurs in the Cordillera Central in the Tolima[1][3][4] and Quindío Departments.

[2] The specific name scopaeus[2] is Latinization of the Greek skopaios, meaning "dwarf".

The fingers have lateral keels and small discs as well as ventral pads.

The canthal–supra-tympanic stripe is dark brown, and labial bar runs just in front of eye.

[2] Pristimantis scopaeus usually occurs in sub-páramo and páramo habitats at elevations of 3,400–3,680 m (11,200–12,100 ft) above sea level[4] but has also been recorded from pastureland.