[1][3] It is found in western Guatemala; on Volcán Tacaná, its range extends to the Mexican side of the Guatemalan–Mexican border.

The tail is circular in cross section and constricted at the base.

The tail has some white marbling and is light gray beneath.

[2] Pseudoeurycea rex used to be the most abundant Guatemalan salamander that could reach very high densities, but it has declined dramatically and is now extremely rare.

It is threatened by habitat loss caused by overgrazing by livestock, clear-cutting of forest, and human settlement.