In New England and New Jersey, this species generally is associated with lowland swamps and marshes and surrounding uplands with sandy or loamy soils (Nyman et al. 1988, Klemens 1993). It may occur in overgrown pastures. Adults spend much time underground. Eggs are attached to submerged sticks or the bottom of shallow forest ponds and pools. A free-living larval stage is present. At Isle Royale, Michigan, breeding sites include splash pools on exposed rocky shorelines (Van Buskirk and Smith 1991). In northern Minnesota, successful reproduction in acidic bog water either does not occur or is a rare event (Karns 1992). It is unclear as to whether or not it is tolerant of habitat disturbance.

This species is found in North America from southeastern Quebec to Lake Winnipeg, south through Great Lakes region and New England to northern Indiana and New Jersey. Several apparently disjunctive subpopulations occur around the periphery of the range (e.g., see Brownlie (1988) for Nova Scotia record). Hybridises with Ambystoma jeffersonianum over a large area south of this range.

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species is present in several protected areas throughout its range.

Conservation Needed
The species would benefit from increased protection of lowland forested wetlands. 

Research Needed
Research is needed in population size, trends and taxonomy.