It is endemic to Chiapas, Mexico, and only known from its type locality, Cerro Ovando, at an elevation of about 2,000 m (6,600 ft) asl.

There are three distinct color patters: most specimens are mottled brownish-lavender above, with a black, triangular head marking.

The third variety has pinkish cream back and tail, with a pair of black dots on neck and a blackish triangle behind it.

[2] Dendrotriton xolocalcae lives in bromeliads in pine-oak forest at 2,000 m (6,600 ft) above sea level.

The locality is potentially threatened by expanding agriculture and wood extraction, although so far the area has seen minimal anthropogenic impacts.