This species is commonly found under rocks or logs in damp ravines and moist wooded hillsides; it may retreat underground or burrow into piles of leaf-litter in dry summer weather. It sometimes occurs in the twilight zone of caves as observed in Missouri (Johnson 1987, 2000). Wooded ravines and floodplains, along shale banks of rivers and streams, and cave entrances are also suitable habitats as reported in Texas (Garrett and Barker 1987). Eggs are laid in damp protected locations underground, under rotten logs, or in other damp vegetative debris. There is no aquatic larval stage. It is unclear as to whether or not it is tolerant of habitat disturbance.

This species is known from the central United States of America in southern Missouri, the highlands of northern and western Arkansas, the northern and central portions of eastern Oklahoma, and the Balcones Escarpment area of south-central Texas. Subpopulations from Independence, Johnson, Logan, Polk, Scott, and Van Buren counties in Arkansas, and Warren County in Missouri, north of the Missouri River, are also assigned to this species (Highton et al. 1989).

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species occurs in several protected areas.

Research Needed
More information is needed on this species' distribution, population status, ecology, and threats.