This terrestrial species inhabits pine-oak forest, living under the bark of stumps or fallen logs, or within piles of wood chips and shavings. At Xometla, individuals were found in partially cut-over natural pine forest. It presumably reproduces by direct development.

This species is known from near the villages of El Berro and Xometla, south and southeast to the Volcán Pico de Orizaba in central Veracruz, Mexico. It occurs at elevations ranging from 2,500–2,925 m asl (Hanken and Wake 1998, S. Rovito pers. obs. 2015). A single specimen reported from Puerto del Aire in the original description was made in error (Hanken and Wake 1998). 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 eastern flank of the volcano (S. Rovito pers. comm. October 2019). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is 35 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). 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.