[2][4] Before the description of the genus in 2010, species now in Raorchestes had been assigned to genera Ixalus (no longer recognized), Philautus, and Pseudophilautus.

[7] Raorchestes are largely nocturnal, relatively small frogs with adult body size 15–45 mm (0.6–1.8 in) in snout-vent length.

All described species of Raorchestes thus far, show direct development, that is, their life cycle does not involve a free-swimming tadpole stage.

[9] Raorchestes tinniens eggs took 36 days to hatch and temperature played a huge role in the development times.

[7] The exception being the short-limbed Raorchestes resplendens that is known to be ground-dwelling and was discovered on the highest peak of the Western Ghats called Anamudi.

[3] They are most diverse in the Western Ghats of India; in contrast, only eight species from the genus have been reported from southeast Asia and China.