This species occurs in subtropical lowland areas of mixed forest, and also in banana plantations and the edges of sugar cane fields in riparian areas. Breeding is by direct development and the species is not dependent upon water.

This species ranges from the Pacific slopes of southern Chiapas, Mexico, to south-western Guatemala, between 0–700 m asl (Wake and Lynch 1976). In Guatemala, the only known locality for this species is just east of the Mexican border in Departamento San Marcos, and further southeast along the coast this species is replaced by its close relative, Bolitoglossa salvinii (S. Rovito pers. comm. Red List Assessment Workshop 2014). It may occur between known localities in Guatemala (J. Campbell pers. comm. August 2019). Its known extent of occurrence (EOO) is 3,283 km².

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species has not been recorded in any protected areas and is not protected under any laws.

Conservation Needed
Broad conservation and management of the species' habitat is needed in order to prevent further habitat disturbance and degradation. Proactive, precautionary steps should be taken to detect the arrival of Bsal in Guatemala and/or Mexico and to establish a baseline by including the swabbing of salamanders encountered during routine amphibian monitoring activities in the country (Guatemala and Mexico Red List Assessment Workshops 2019).

Research Needed
Surveys are needed to evaluate the population status, size and trends of this species.