This is a terrestrial species that inhabits pine-oak forest, living under the bark of stumps and fallen logs, in leaf-litter and in piles of wood chips. Specimens from Texmola were collected from within a small patch of pine-oak forest that was surrounded by cleared agricultural fields. It reproduces by direct development.

This species is known from only a few localities on the southern and southeastern flanks of the Volcán Pico de Orizaba in central Veracruz, Mexico. It occurs at elevations ranging from 2,500–3,200 m asl (R.W. McDiarmid pers. obs. 1970, J. Hanken pers. obs. 1976, J. Lynch pers. obs. 1976, Hanken and Wake 1998, S. Rovito pers. obs. 2015). Surrounding areas have been surveyed for Thorius species, so if the species occurs more widely its range may only extend a little more on the southern flank of the volcano (S. Rovito pers. comm. October 2019). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is 69 km².

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species is known to occur in Parque Nacional Volcán Pico de Orizaba, however this area does not afford any habitat protection.

Conservation Actions Needed
Enforcement of habitat protection is urgently needed, especially preventing the collection of wood, along with reforestation to connect remaining tiny habitat patches (0.5-1 ha each). Additionally, proactive, precautionary steps should be taken to detect the arrival of Bsal in Mexico through the swabbing of both wild and imported salamanders, in addition to a total ban on the importation of non-native salamanders (Mexico Red List Assessment Workshop October 2019).

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