[1] Pseudophilatus temporalis was only known to occur in Sri Lanka, though its exact distribution and habitat are unknown.

Originally, it was believed that their range extended to the Western Ghats in India due to specimens thought to be Pseudophilautus temporalis being found there.

They were purchased and described by German herpetologist Albert Günther in "Ceylon" (Sri Lanka) in 1864.

[2] Recent surveys of Sri Lanka and its amphibians have failed to locate Pseudophilautus temporalis since it was first discovered.

The exact cause of its extinction is unknown, but habitat loss is presumed to have been a factor.