This species inhabits shrublands, grasslands and semi-desert shrubland areas. It is almost always found around temporary pools formed by rainfall. Eggs and larvae develop in flooded areas such as these temporary pools, but they also breed in permanent waters, especially those that fluctuate greatly in water level. It is usually found in areas with friable soils. It burrows underground or occupies rodent burrows when inactive. It is unclear as to whether or not it is tolerant of habitat disturbance.

This wide-ranging species occurs from south-central Canada (north to near Outlook, Saskatchewan) to north-central Mexico, west to western Montana, eastern Colorado, eastern Arizona, east to western Iowa, eastern Missouri, and central Arkansas in the United States of America. There are disjunct subpopulations in southern Texas and in Arkansas, and in adjacent Mexico (Conant and Collins 1991, Stebbins 2003) in northern Chihuahua eastward to Tamaulipas.

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species occurs in protected areas in part of its range in the USA and Canada, but not in Mexico.