Meristogenys jerboa inhabits rocky streams in lowland and hillside forests of western Sarawak. In western Sarawak the species is sympatric with the similar M. penrissenensis which differs in iris coloration, flank coloration and tadpole keratodont row count. 

Females may grow up to 65 mm, but males are usually much smaller (up to 40 mm snout–vent length). The snout is protruding and slightly pointed in profile. The eye diameter is smaller than eye to snout distance. The body is slender in males, slightly more stocky in females. The hind limbs are very long relative to snout-vent length. Fingers and toes are long and bear terminal adhesive discs. In males the fourth finger has on segment free of webbing, females are fully webbed. 

The coloration of this frog generally brown. The area behind the eye and the eardrum and beyond to the flank is darkly pigmented. The iris is bronze in the upper third and dark red in the lower parts. The rear of thigh is blotched. 

This frog is often found at night perching on boulders or vegetation in rocky streams. The call is a high-pitched whistle, short in duration. 

The tadpole is light brown, but can vary from orange to slightly olive hue. Upper and lower beaks are divided. There are three divided keratodont rows on the upper lip (four in M. penrissenensis). Snout and body are depressed and streamlined. The tail is strong. The tail tip is pointed. The tadpole can reach approx. 40 mm in total length.