[1][2] Formerly considered a population of the Appalachian mountain chorus frog (P. brachyphona), a study published in 2020 found significant genetic divergence from P. brachyphona and thus described it as a distinct species, P. collinsorum.

Prior to his passing, Joseph Collins had contributed many specimens to be used in the study.

[3] This species ranges from southwestern North Carolina/southeastern Tennessee, south through northern Georgia to most of Alabama aside from the north (which is occupied by brachyphona), and west to northeastern Mississippi.

It inhabits elevations of between 100–320 metres (330–1,050 ft) above sea level.

In addition, its call displays a faster pulse rate than that of brachyphona.