Duttaphrynus melanostictus is very common in the Sunda region. In contrast to all other Bornean toads this species does not live in the forest but prefers agricultural, rural, urban or suburban areas, and mostly open country.

The toad is stocky and easily recognized by its black cranial crests and black warts. Body color is quite variable (variations of brown, no markings) throughout the distribution range. Males may have an orange or dark throat.

Size of adults: 60-80 mm in males, females are sligthly larger.

Duttaphrynus melanostictus uses temporary ditches, pools and puddles for reproduction. Eggs are laid in strings after heavy rain.

Tadpoles of this species are small (<25 mm total length) and deeply black. In the habitat types mentioned above, no other tadpole can be confused with D. melanostictus.