This species can be found in or along swift, boulder-strewn mountain streams. Also near waterfalls and places where cold water drips or seeps. Refuges are in rock crevices or in burrows (Camp and Lee 1996). It is usually under rocks in daytime. Sometimes it basks in sun on wet rocks. Eggs are laid on undersides of rocks or on tree roots in streambeds, apparently in headwater tributaries in North Carolina (Bruce 1985). The larvae develop in water. It is unclear as to whether or not it is tolerant of habitat disturbance.

This species can be found in Southern West Virginia through mountains to northern Georgia in the United States of America. There are scattered subpopulations in South Carolina and Georgia Piedmont, possibly due to its use as fish bait. It is generally found at elevations above 500 m asl up to at least 1,646 m asl, but it might occur at lower elevations if the conditions are suitable (Petranka 1998).

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

Conservation Needed
Regulation of collection for use as fish bait might be appropriate in some areas.