This species inhabits rocks, caves, and crevices in cliffs and limestone hills in areas of pinion and juniper woodland, scrubland, grassland, and desert. It has also been found among human-generated debris and on watered lawns (Bartlett and Bartlett 1999). This species is somewhat tolerant of suburbanization, and is thought to be relatively abundant in urban areas, such as city parks (Green et al. 2014). It breeds by direct development, and lays eggs on land in a moist, sheltered site. Individuals are primarily active after dusk, especially following spring and fall rains (Green et al. 2014).

This species can be found in south central Texas, USA and in northern Chihuahua (Lemos-Espinal et al. 2001), and Coahuila, Mexico. Subpopulations in the Big Bend Region of Texas, USA and northern Coahuila and Chiuahua, Mexico that were previously allocated to Eleutherodactylus guttilatius have now been assigned to E. marnockii (C. Grünwald pers. comm. October 2019). This species occurs at elevations between 500 and 2,000 m asl.

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species probably occurs in the protected area Cañón de Santa Elena in Chihuahua, México. 

Conservation Needed
Continued and strengthened management of protected area(s) where this species occurs, and expanded protection of suitable habitat elsewhere in its range is recommended.

Research Needed
More information is needed on this species' distribution, population status, ecology, and threats.