[2] The frog is similar in appearance to its cogener, Ranoidea moorei, bearing dark green or brownish patches with bronze or gold highlights on its back; this species can be differentiated by the numerous yellowish spots on the underside of the rear legs.

The name Copland's rock frog is sometimes mistakenly applied to this species (it is actually Litoria coplandi).

It occurs on the southern coastal areas, favouring permanent water and granite outcrops, but can be found at its northernmost extent in agricultural dams.

Recorded sightings are also at Middle Island in the Archipelago of the Recherche, and Coragina Rock.

There are concerns that the spotted-thighed tree frog has recently become established on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia, and that it might spread further eastward into the Murray-Darling Basin and interbreed with or displace threatened species there.