It is a subterranean species living in primary cloud forests, submontane forests and foothill forests. It is associated with streams. Its ability to adapt to secondary habitats is not known. It is presumed to lay eggs on land, with the larvae developing in streams.

This species is found on the Pacific slopes of the Andes in Colombia (Department of Valle del Cauca) and Ecuador (Provinces of Cotopaxi and El Oro), and the Amazonian slopes of the Andes in southern Ecuador (Zamora Chinchipe Province) and southern Peru (Regions of Junín and Cusco). It has been found at elevations between 1,750–2,000 m asl, although there has also been a record from 420 m asl in Cusco, Peru (C. Torres in litt. to R. von May 2008), which in itself could comprise a different taxon.

Conservation Actions In-Place
In Ecuador, its geographic range overlaps with Reserva Ecológica Los Illinizas and Reserva Biológica Tapichalaca. In Peru, it is present in the montane region of Parque Nacional Manu and its range in this country overlaps with various other protected areas. In Ecuador, it is considered to be Near Threatened.

Research Needed
Clarification of the taxonomic status of those biological subpopulations east of the Andes is urgently required. Research into its ecology and resistance to habitat disturbance is needed.