This widespread species is found in much of Amazonian and northern coastal South America and into Panama, as well as in some Caribbean islands as introduced populations.

[1][2][4] S. ruber is widespread from sea level to around 2,600 metres throughout the Amazon Basin and the Guiana Shield in South America (in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela).

[4] S. ruber is abundant in temporary waterbodies during the rainy season, and occupies a wide range of habitats, from open environments to moist forests, as well as gardens and parks.

It is a nocturnal and arboreal species that generally breeds in small temporary pools, but can also use roadside ditches.

[1] This common and widespread species is not facing any major threats and is classed by the IUCN as of "least concern".