This is a subterranean species found in tropical deciduous and semi-deciduous forest, evergreen tropical forest, tropical scrub and tropical pine-oak forest. It can also be found in agriculturally cultivated areas that were once dominated by these primary habitats. It is a viviparous species (Wake 1998).

This species occurs along the southern coast of Mexico from the Balsas Depression of Jalisco to Ixtlahuacan county in Colima (Reyes-Velasco et al. 2009), through Michoacán (Reyes-Velasco et al. 2008), and into Guerrero, Oaxaca and Chiapas. Records from Chiapas may correspond to D. mexicanus, but this requires clarification through analysis of museum specimens (Mexico Red List Assessment Workshop October 2019). This species has been recorded at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,076 m asl. Records previously reported near Zitácuaro were made in error, and have been removed from the map (Mexico Red List Assessment Workshop 2019).

Conservation Actions In-Place
The estimated range of this species includes portions of a few protected areas, but it has so far only been confirmed from Chamela Biosphere Reserve. This species is protected by Mexican law under the "Special Protection" category (Pr). 

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