It is endemic to Veracruz, Mexico, where it is known from the Sierra de los Tuxtlas at elevations of 100–1,300 m (330–4,270 ft) above sea level.

The specific name orchimelas, from the Greek orchis (=testicle) and melas (=black), refers to the black pigmentation of the outer epithelial layer of the testes and vasa deferentia in adult males.

This trait distinguishes it from Pseudoeurycea orchileucos with white testes and vasa deferentia.

[2] Natural habitats of Pseudoeurycea orchimelas are lowland wet forests.

The species is threatened by habitat loss (deforestation) caused by expanding subsistence farming and human settlements and by logging.