It is endemic to the Andes of Ecuador and known from the Cuenca basin in Azuay Province southward to Saraguro Canton (northern Loja Province) at elevations of 2,450–2,650 m (8,040–8,690 ft) asl.

The dorsum has characteristic pattern of dark patches.

[3] The species inhabits pastures, grassland, agricultural fields, and degraded secondary habitats.

[3] In Ecuador it is considered "endangered" because of its relatively small range, few known and presumably fragmented populations, and presumed decline in abundance.

It might be present in the El Cajas National Park.