Aquatic habitats include well-vegetated ponds, pools, ditches and streams generally within dry woodlands, heathland, fields and rough grassland. It can occur in slightly modified habitats such as traditional farmland. Breeding and larval development take place in many different types of permanent and temporary water sources, usually with aquatic vegetation for reproduction.

Generation length is estimated to be 5–10 years (F. Pasmans pers. comm. July 2021).

This European endemic species is found in much of northern Iberia (mainland Spain and Portugal), and central, southern and western France. This species was introduced to the area of Turin, Italy, but is now presumed to be extinct there (J.W. Arntzen pers. comm.). It occurs from sea level to elevations approaching 2,100 m asl.

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species occurs in many protected areas. In Portugal, it is present in Peneda-Gerês National Park where the population of Carris Lake has been severely impacted by disease. It is also protected by national legislation throughout its range (Gasc et al. 1997), and is listed on Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive and Annex III of the Bern Convention. Re-introductions and/or translocations of this species have been made in the area of Madrid, Spain.

Conservation Needed
There is also an urgent need for a EU (European Union) wide coordinated approach and implementation of the Bsal Action Plan by Gilbert et al. (2020), which was commissioned by the European Commission.

Research Needed
Further research into the impacts of disease on this species is needed. In light of the threat of Bsal, the population should also be monitored especially if other outbreaks occur within its range.