Occurs on alluvial sands and sandy loams in Southern Cape Afrotemperate forests (especially coastal platform and scarp forest patches) in the Fynbos and Moist Savanna biomes. Coexists with Amblysomus corriae in parts of their range, but trapping data suggest that A. c. corriae prefers fynbos and forest fringes, and C. duthieae deeper forest. Thrives in cultivated areas and gardens. Adults solitary, but up to four individuals per hectare have been trapped on the same night, suggesting that population densities are relatively high in areas of suitable habitat. Construct shallow subsurface foraging tunnels that radiate outwards from under the roots of trees. Active mainly at night.

This species is endemic to South Africa. It occurs in a narrow coastal band 275 km long from Wilderness through Kynsna, Nature’s Valley and Plettenberg Bay (Western Cape), northwards through the Tsitsikamma forests perhaps as far of the Storm River mouth, and to the Walmer and Baakens Vlei districts of Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape).

Protected in the Garden Route National Park (including Tsitsikamma National Park, Wilderness National Park) and  Keurboomsriver Nature Reserve), as well as numerous forest reserves managed by either the Department of Agriculture, Water Affairs and Forestry, or local authorities. It also thrives in cultivated areas and gardens (particularly in the Walmer district of Port Elizabeth), suggesting that it is not at risk if human activities result in only mild habitat transformation.