It lives and breeds in and around fast-flowing, perennial mountain streams generally above waterfalls that limit access of fish.

Adults live in rock crevices in cascades or in the riparian zone along streams.

The larvae have broad, suctorial mouthparts and a streamlined form with a muscular tail allowing them to feed and maintain their position in torrent streams.

Larval development takes up to two years therefore permanent streams are required for reproduction.

It is potentially threatened by modifications of its habitat caused by afforestation, damming and siltation of streams, and water extraction.