Previously, it was referred to as the black salamander, and was thought to have a fragmented range across most of California and southern Oregon.

[5] The speckled black salamander is found in forested areas and grassland in the coastal ranges of California, mostly at elevations below 600 meters (2,000 ft) but occasionally up to 1,700 meters (5,600 ft).

[4] In the southern part of its range it hides under logs and rocks in damp places and stream banks in woodland.

It feeds on small invertebrates such as millipedes, beetles, ants and termites.

The eggs are laid in July or August in underground chambers, where they are attached by short stalks to the moist soil.