This species inhabits cypress domes, cypress strands, marshes, lime-sink ponds, ditches, Carolina bays, and other shallow freshwater habitats, including both permanent and temporary waters. In the area of sympatry with Pseudobranchus axanthus, P. striatus, it occurs in cypress ponds in areas of acid pine flatwoods (Moler and Kezer 1993). It is usually found in thick vegetation (e.g. floating mats of Frog's Bit, Hydocharis spongia) or in bottom mud and debris. It burrows into and estivates in the mud bottom when ponds dry up. The subspecies lustricolus may be essentially restricted to wetlands within the narrow strip of hydric hardwood hammock along the Gulf Coast (Moler 1992); stagnant ponds associated with cypress and flat wood ponds, drainage ditches, and smaller floodplain lakes (Neill 1951). Eggs are attached to or scattered among submerged vegetation. Individuals were found in ditches, suggesting at least a degree of tolerance to habitat degradation.

This species occurs in the United States of America on the coastal plain in southern South Carolina, southern Georgia, and the northern half of Florida (Moler and Kezer 1993).

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species is present in several protected areas throughout its range.

Conservation Needed
No conservation measures are needed.

Research Needed
Monitoring and research on population trends are recommended.