It is endemic to southern Brazil and occurs in the Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul states,[1][3] corresponding to the southernmost extent of the Atlantic Forest biome.

Preserved specimens are mottled with dark and light brown or grey.

[2] The tadpoles are elongated and have a depressed body and a low tail fin with rounded tip.

The largest tadpoles (Gosner stage 39) measure 34 mm (1.3 in) in total length.

[2] Thoropa saxatilis occurs on rocky cliffs in forested areas at elevations of 300–1,000 m (980–3,280 ft) above sea level.