This species is permanently aquatic and neotenic (Green et al. 2014). Bonett and Chippindale (2004) found both paedomorphic and metamorphosing subpopulations throughout the southern Ozarks. It inhabits small, clear, spring-fed streams with temperatures normally under 24°C, with a coarse substrate of sand, gravel, or bedrock, where it hides under or among rocks or in submerged vegetation (Bury et al. 1980). It is most commonly found in shallow, slowly moving water with medium-sized rocks and high densities of aquatic invertebrates (Tumlison et al. 1990b,c). This species can also be found in small springs and seeps characterized by moist leaf litter over a mud-and-detritus substrate (Green et al. 2014). Individuals move below the substrate surface during droughts, and the species may use karst systems to move within or between stream systems (Tumlison et al. 1990c). Eggs are laid on the undersides of rocks.

According to Bury et al. (1980), the range of this species includes the drainages of the Neosho and Illinois Rivers, the Springfield Plateau section of the Ozark plateaus of southwestern Missouri (McDonald County), northwestern Arkansas (Benton, Washington, and Carroll Counties), and northeastern Oklahoma (Adair, Cherokee, Delaware, Mayes, and Ottawa Counties), USA, at elevations below 305 m asl.

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species likely occurs in several protected areas across its range. It is considered to be a Species of Special Concern in Arkansas, and collection permit requests are closely monitored in the state (Green et al. 2014).

In an effort to prevent the introduction of Bsal into the US, an Interim Rule of the Lacey Act has been enacted that bans the importation of 201 species of salamanders (USFWS 2016). Additionally, a temporary voluntary trade moratorium of imports of Asian salamander species that are known to carry the disease until such time as effective testing and treatment regimens can be developed and distributed has been recommended to all exporters, shippers, sellers and buyers by the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC). A North America Bsal Task Force has also been created, with working groups designed to address a variety of disease prevention and mitigation goals (North America Bsal Task Force 2021).

Conservation Needed
This species would likely benefit from improved habitat protection at sites where it is known to occur.

Research Needed
Further research on this species' distribution, population size and trends is recommended. Additionally, further taxonomic work is recommended to resolve the taxonomic status of this species.