They have bumpy, rough skin giving them the appearance of a small toad, hence the name "toadlet", although they are often called "gungans" in Queensland.

The species in this genus show great similarities in body shape and colouration making them difficult to tell apart.

[2][3] Clicking Uperoleia include U. glandulosa, U. aspera, U. minima, U. trachyderma, U. lithomoda, U. littlejohni, U. altissima, U. mimula, and U. rugosa.

The squelching Uperoleia include U. russelli, U. saxatilis, U. talpa, U. borealis, U. crassa, and U. inundata.

The eastern species U. laevigata, U. fusca, U. tyleri, and U. martini are also squelchers, but are distantly related.