It can be found in streamsides, spring runs, cave mouths and abandoned mines; also ponds in northern New Jersey (Conant and Collins 1991). Animals may disperse into wooded terrestrial habitats in wet weather. It hides in rock crevices and under rocks, logs and other debris. Eggs are laid in underground crevices associated with springs, temporary pools and streams; under rocks in streams; in woodland ponds; or are attached to objects in or above water in caves. Individuals were found in abandoned mines, suggesting at least a degree of tolerance to habitat degradation.

This species can be found in the United States of America from southern New York to Missouri, south to Arkansas, Tennessee, extreme northeastern Mississippi, northern Alabama, extreme northwestern Georgia, western North Carolina and northwestern Virginia (Carlin 1997).

Conservation Actions In-Place
Although strip mining and acid drainage from coal mining likely have impacted many subpopulations, this species remains widely distributed and is in minimal need of protection (Petranka 1998). In addition, its range overlaps with several protected areas.

Research Needed
Taxonomic research is needed to further elucidate the identities of the two subspecies.