This species inhabits hill streams of varying sizes and the surrounding habitats in forested areas, and sometimes also occurs in streamside pools. It often forages near the edges of pools, under leaves fallen into the water (Fei et al. 2012). It is a forest-dependent species, which is unlikely to tolerate habitat disturbance (Z. Yuan pers. comm. June 2019). It breeds in streams where the larvae also develop, and reproductive activity has been observed from April to June in the field (Fei et al. 2012).

The generation length of this species is unknown; it is at least three years, but is suspected to be greater and requires further research to confirm (Z. Yuan pers. comm. June 2019).

This species was previously known from south-eastern Chongqing, south-western Hunan, eastern Guizhou, and Fuchuan in eastern Guangxi in central China, between 500-1,800 m asl. However, the records from south-eastern Chongqing have now been assigned to P. wulingensis (Wang et al. 2013). It probably occurs more widely than current records suggest, but only between known localities (Z. Yuan pers. comm. June 2019).

Conservation Actions In-Place
Several protected areas in the region fall within the species' range. This species is on the "List of Beneficial or of Important Economic or Scientific Value Terrestrial Wild Animals under States Protection", under the protection of the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Wildlife", which provides a moderate degree of protection and makes it illegal to collect (China Red List Assessment Workshop June 2019).

Conservation Needed
Harvest management is required for this species.

Research Needed
Further research is required on the ecology of this species.