It is endemic to Japan and known from southwestern Honshu in northern parts of the Fukui, Kyoto, and Hyōgo Prefectures.

[1][2][3][4] The specific name abei honours professor Yoshio Abe, a Japanese zoologist.

Larval development is slow in winter but accelerates after the snow melt.

Metamorphosis occurs typically in June–July, but some individuals may metamorphose later and even overwinter as larvae.

Breeding takes place in pools, ditches, and springs in shaded parts of forests.