This species is from rainforest, and is found in the leaf litter of primary and secondary forest. The eggs are laid on the ground and the males transport the larvae to permanent pools.

This species is endemic to Colombia. This species was previously only known from tiny areas on the Pacific coast of Colombia on the Río Saija drainage, in Cauca Department, occurring up to 200 m asl. However it is now also known from Río Naya and Boca Yurumanguí in southern Valle del Cauca Department, which has extended the known range 60 km northward (Marquez et al. 2012). It altitudinal range is between 50–400 m asl (D. Mejía pers. comm. August 2016). It occurs in fewer than five threat-defined locations and its EOO is 1,473 km².

Conservation Actions
This species is recorded in a very small protected area called Reserva Rana Terribilis. Decree INDERENA No. 39 of 9 July 1985 forbids the collection of species of this genus from the wild in Colombia, for breeding (or other) purposes. It is listed on CITES Appendix II. 

Conservation Needed
Further protection of part of its range is needed. 

Research Needed
Research in population trends, ecology, threats and distribution are recommended for the species.