The genus Pristimantis is a part of the family Craugastoridae, which is in the order Anura. This order includes frogs, toads, and other amphibians. The family Craugastoridae consists of terrestrial frogs found in Central and South America. This genus is made up of over 500 species of small frogs that have adapted to a wide range of habitats, including tropical rainforests, cloud forests, and dryer areas such as deserts and scrublands.

Most species in this genus are nocturnal, with some being diurnal or crepuscular. They are typically small in size (less than 40mm), with some species reaching up to 70mm. They have slim bodies with long limbs and toes that are adapted for climbing. The skin is usually smooth or slightly granular and can be brightly colored or patterned. Most species have adhesive toe pads for climbing on rough surfaces such as bark or leaves.

Pristimantis frogs feed on a variety of small invertebrates such as insects, spiders, mites, and centipedes. Some species also eat fruit or nectar from flowers. Breeding occurs during the wet season when pools form from heavy rains or streams swell from snowmelt runoff. Males call from vegetation near water to attract females for mating. Females lay eggs in foam nests on vegetation near water where they will hatch into tadpoles which will develop into adults after metamorphosis occurs.

Pristimantis frogs are an important part of their ecosystems as they provide food for predators such as snakes and birds while also controlling insect populations by consuming them as prey items. They are also important pollinators due to their feeding habits on nectar-producing flowers.