This species can be found in rocky brooks, springs, and seepages. Individuals may disperse into wooded terrestrial habitats in wet warm weather. Bahret (1996) documented a breeding subpopulation in an acidic, fish-free lake in New York where individuals were recorded to depths of 19.5 m. Adults hide under objects in or near water. In New York, this species is rarely found on soils of low pH (Wyman 1988, Wyman and Jancola 1992). Eggs typically are laid on underside of submerged rocks, logs, or aquatic plants. Bahret (1996) found eggs in a lake at depths of 9.0-13.5 m, on the topmost leaves of water moss, far from shore and from surface drainage inlets.

The range of this species includes eastern North America and extends from southern Quebec and eastern Ontario in Canada, south to northern Virginia, eastern West Virginia, and central Ohio. Isolated subpopulations occur in southern Labrador, Canada (Jacobs 1987, Conant and Collins 1991, Sever 1999).

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species is in minimal need of protection due to its presumed large population and wide distribution (Petranka 1998). It occurs within the boundaries of several protected areas.