This species inhabits tupelo and cypress bottoms in pinewoods, open fields, and lowland deciduous forest (Behler and King 1979) as well as in pine savannas, low wet woods, and swamps (Martof et al. 1980). Individuals usually burrow near breeding ponds. Eggs are attached to submerged plant material or bottom debris of acidic, fishless ponds in or near pine stands (Behler and King 1979). In Virginia, this species breeds in fish-free vernal pond in a large clear-cut area and in ephemeral sinkhole ponds up to 1.5 m deep, within bottomland hardwood forest mixed with pine (Mitchell 1991). A wide variety of semi-permanent and ephemeral pools can support breeding subpopulations, including farm ponds, water-filled foxholes, sinkhole ponds, and vernal pools (Green et al. 2014). Larvae develop in the ponds. The distances moved between non-breeding terrestrial habitat and breeding habitats are unknown, but are likely greater than 150 m.

This species is known from lower elevations of the Coastal Plain of the Carolinas and Virginia in the United States of America (Conant and Collins 1991). Its range reaches from the Painkatank River in southeast Virginia to the Savannah River in southern South Carolina (Green et al. 2014). The full distribution of this species is not well known, and it is likely that additional subpopulations remain to be discovered.

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species is known to occur within a portion of the Grafton sinkhole pond that has been designated as a Recreation Natural Area Preserve by the Virginia Department of Conservation. It is listed as Threatened by the Commonwealth of Virginia (Green et al. 2014). 

Conservation Needed
This species would likely benefit from improved habitat protection and management at sites where it is known to occur, as well as a degree of habitat restoration.

Research Needed
Research is needed on the population size and ecology of this species. Additionally, population monitoring is recommended due to the potential threats to the hydrology of this species' habitat.