The Large-blotched Ensatina is a fully terrestrial species and does not need to return to water to breed. Ensatinas are relatively long lived salamanders, some reaching 14-16 years of age. As with all plethodontid salamanders, reproductive rates are slow, producing small clutches of eggs and reaching sexual maturity at between 3-5 years of age. The color pattern of the Large-blotched Ensatina is thought to be cryptic and used for camouflage. Ensatinas remain beneath the ground in the dry summer months, and emerge with the rains of autumn, winter and spring.
Adults tend to be more active during the day compared to other Plethodontid salamanders.
Studies suggest that Ensatina salamanders are territorial outside the breeding season, fending off intruders of the same species. Enstainas eat a wide variety of foods, including mites, spiders, sowbugs, beetles, slugs and snails. Large-blotched Ensatinas will emerge to forage after rains, or stay hidden in moist debris and wait for prey to pass by. Breeding usually occurs from November to March. After several hours of elaborate courtship, the male deposits a spermatophore which is then picked up by the females cloaca and used to fertilize her eggs.