[2] Its names refer to the distinctive characteristics of the species, relatively large size and the spiny chest of male frogs.
The lineages are geographically distinct; one lineage is found in Yunnan, another one in southeastern China (Anhui, Zhejiang, northern Fujian, and Jiangxi), and the third one in south-central China (southern Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, and Guangxi).
[1] Quasipaa spinosa is associated with rocky streams in evergreen forests and open countryside on hills and mountains.
[1] The most distinctive characteristic of Quasipaa spinosa are the keratinized skin spines in the chest of males.
[13] Quasipaa spinosa is an important food and medicinal resource in China and considered as a delicacy.
[13] In Jiangxi province alone, the value of production of Quasipaa spinosa for domestic consumption is of the same magnitude as global trade of frog meat.
The main reasons for the decline is (over)collection for human consumption, and it is also threatened by habitat loss caused by agriculture and dam construction.
[1] Moderate levels of exploitation are sufficient to increase extinction risk markedly, at least in small populations.
However, sale of wild Quasipaa spinosa is now forbidden in Fujian, and farmed frogs need to be certified.