[2][3] The specific name zophodes is a Greek word meaning "dusky" or "gloomy" and refers to the distinctive dark coloration of the species as well as its cloud forest habitat.

[2] Common name gloomy mountain stream frog has been coined for it.

The supratympanic fold is well developed and covers the upper edge of the tympanum.

[2] Ptychohyla zophodes occurs in cloud forests and lower montane rainforests at elevations of 400–1,500 m (1,300–4,900 ft) above sea level.

[2] The species is threatened by habitat loss from small-scale farming and wood extraction and by chytridiomycosis.