This species occurs in lower coastal plain pine flatwoods of the Southeast. Very little is known about the occurrence or life history of this species. However, this subterranean amphibian lives in uplands as an adult, but must return to ephemeral cypress ponds to breed and lay eggs each winter.  Larva live in these ephemeral ponds for 3-5 months before migrating to adjacent uplands.

Over 70% of known breeding ponds for this species occur in Florida.  JOE property includes significant portions of the two largest populations known to occur in Florida.  As part of a cooperative research effort between JOE and the USFWS, several new breeding ponds were located on JOE property.   Through a contribution of $110,000, JOE is expanding the knowledge base on management of this species by developing a habitat model that assesses the quality of cypress ponds as breeding sites.  This research will be extremely valuable in identifying appropriate areas for habitat management, protection, restocking, conservation easements and mitigation. 

JOE takes special interest in the management and conservation of this species and has cooperated with USFWS and FWCC on several initiatives.  JOE staff also participated as a member of the USFWS Flatwoods Salamander Recovery Team.