The taxonomic history of the genus Nyctixalus has been highly unstable. Its members were originally classified within Philautus, but subsequent molecular phylogenetic studies demonstrated that Nyctixalus is the sister taxon of Theloderma. Both genera are primarily arboreal frogs, although individuals can occasionally be found at lower heights.

At one stage, the four species currently recognized as Nyctixalus were placed in Theloderma, but they have since been reinstated as a separate genus. The only Bornean representative, N. pictus, is a phytotelma breeder.