This species is usually found at lower elevations and in winter, during which it concentrates near seepage areas, springs, and small streams. Individuals may range into adjacent wooded areas in wet weather. This species is more terrestrial at higher elevations, being a characteristic inhabitant of the floor of spruce-fir forests. It is often abundant on wet rock faces. Eggs are laid in wet rock crevices or under rocks, logs, or moss in seepage areas or near small streams. The larvae develop in water. It is unclear as to whether or not it is tolerant of habitat disturbance.

This species occurs in the Southwestern Blue Ridge Physiographic Province in the United States of America. It has been recorded between Linville Falls and McKinney Gap (Burke and McDowell counties, North Carolina) on the Blue Ridge Divide and Iron Mountain Gap on the North Carolina-Tennessee boundary (Mitchell-Unicoi counties, North Carolina-Tennessee) to the valley of the Pigeon River (Haywood and Buncombe counties, North Carolina). This area includes the Blue Ridge, Black, Bald, and Unaka mountains (Tilley and Mahoney 1996). This species occurs on the peaks of the highest mountains in the area, up to 2,000 m asl (Green et al. 2014).

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species occurs in protected areas, and much of its range is well protected.

Conservation Needed
This species is in minimal need for protection (Petranka 1998). Recommended conservation measures include site/area protection and management.

Research Needed
More information is needed on this species' population size and distribution.