It is endemic to Hainan, southern China.

[2] It occurs in tropical forests at elevations of 80–840 m (260–2,760 ft) above sea level.

Breeding takes place in pools and slow-flowing streams.

[1] Hylarana spinulosa are medium-sized frogs: males grow to a snout–vent length of 40 mm (1.6 in) and females to 52 mm (2.0 in).

This true frog article is a stub.