This species ranges throughout Central America from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and Yucatán Peninsula, southward to Panama and adjacent areas of northwest Colombia, occurring at elevations from sea level up to 4,750 feet (1,453 m).

The northern limit of its distribution ranges into extreme south Texas, USA, where it is uncommon to rare in a few of the southernmost counties of the state.

[3][12] Death feigning behavior, or thanatosis, was reported for two out of seven (28.5%) specimens that were caught and handled during field surveys conducted in Tamaulipas, Mexico.

[7] One study of 36 Guatemalan and Mexican specimens with food items in their stomachs found 86% had anurans (predominantly Eleutherodactylus), 8% lizards, 4% reptile eggs, and 2% small mammals.

[3] There are four recognized subspecies of D. margaritiferus: The speckled racer is a threatened species in the state of Texas, USA, where it is uncommon to rare.