It is endemic to Mexico and known from the Sierra Madre del Sur of western and southern Oaxaca and eastern Guerrero.

[1][3] It is the largest tropical salamander;[1] the holotype had a total length of about 24 cm (9.4 in) and weighed 58 grams (2.0 oz).

The coloration is variable, but in general it is uniformly black, with markings consisting of parallel rows of vivid red-orange to pale orange spots on the head, body, and proximal part of the tail.

[2] This little-known salamander has been found in a banana field and a roadside bank at elevations of 750–2,000 m (2,460–6,560 ft) above sea level.

Although it seems to tolerate some habitat modification, urbanization and changed agricultural practices are potential threats.