Hylarana erythraea is a commensal species. It benefits from human activities and is abundant in agricultural areas, ditches along roads, irrigation ponds, and similar habitats. It is unlikely to be confused with other species.

The head and body are slender and somewhat streamlined. Males typically reach around 40 mm in snout–vent length, while females can grow up to 75 mm. The dorsal side is green, featuring a white or yellow glandular fold running from the eye to the anus, and a white or cream stripe extending from the angle of the mouth to the groin. The species is white-lipped.

The toe and finger tips are slightly expanded. The eardrum is often (but not always) reddish-brown, sometimes with or without a green central spot. The underside lacks darker markings. The throat, chest, and belly are white to cream, whereas the limbs tend to have a fleshy or orange tint.

H. erythraea is agile, somewhat shy, and an adept jumper. Inger and Stuebing (2005) described the call as a "squeaky warble." The tadpoles of this species live in stagnant, usually sun-exposed waters with abundant aquatic plants, typically in ponds within agricultural land. Tadpoles grow to sizes of 40–50 mm. Their coloration is distinctive and should not be confused with that of any other tadpole. Notably, they have a partially red iris and marbling on the dorsal side and flanks. The tail tapers to a flagellum, often with a light lateral stripe. Tadpoles tend to become darker as they approach metamorphosis.