This taxon was formerly known as Rhacophorus everetti. It has recently been revised (Hertwig et al. 2011). Genetic evidence showed unequivocally that it belongs to Philautus. It is a highland species. It lives in wet montane forests, 1,000 m to 1,800 m asl. Maximum size is up to 32 mm in males and almost 50 mm in females.

The coloration and skin tubercles mimic lichen and mossy bark. During the day this frog is perfectly camouflaged. At night males can be seen in groups at small streams and seepages. They usually sit 1–3 m above ground on twigs and leaves. The species occurs on the mountains of western Sabah and northern Sarawak. 

The reproductive habits are still unknown. A tadpole was found at the edge of a small stream at Gunung Kinabalu and assigned to this taxon by DNA matching.