Eastern and south-eastern Brazil (eastern Alagoas and eastern Bahia south to extreme eastern Mato Grosso do Sul, Santa Catarina and northern Rio Grande do Sul), eastern Paraguay (east of R Paraguay; one record on western bank, in south-eastern Alto Paraguay) and extreme north-eastern Argentina (Misiones).
 
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Spot-backed Antshrike (Hypoedaleus) [XC838352]
by JAYRSON ARAUJO DE OLIVEIRA from Fazenda S\u00e3o Miguel, Itaj\u00e1, Goi\u00e1s, Brazil (song)
Spot-backed Antshrike (Hypoedaleus) [XC575468]
by Ciro Albano from Reserva Ecol\u00f3gica dos Petroleiros, Tingu\u00e1, Nova Igua\u00e7u, RJ, Brazil (call)
Subspecies
Genus presumed related to Thamnophilus on basis of external morphology, especially the strongly hooked bill, but supporting molecular or other evidence unavailable. Relationships uncertain. Historically placed after Cymbilaimus because of similarity of bill morphology, and ecology also somewhat similar. Paler northern birds (Alagoas south to Espírito Santo) described as subspecies leucogaster, but apparently broad zone of intergradation with southern populations exists, with both extremes as well as intermediates occurring in Sao Paulo. Racial division considered unwarranted.