It is found in Portugal and Spain, where its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rivers, intermittent rivers, swamps, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, sandy shores, arable land, and grassland.

It occurs at altitudes of up to 1,940 m (6,360 ft) and its typical habitats include open areas, rough grassland, thickets, woodland verges, swamps, and gulleys, usually in or near water.

The eggs are laid in water either singly or in small groups, on the bottom or attached to plants.

The tadpoles undergo metamorphosis after between 22 and 60 days of development, and the juveniles are about 1 cm (0.4 in) long when they leave the water.

It is common over most of its range and the number of individuals may be declining slowly, but the rate of loss is not sufficient to justify placing it in a more threatened category.