This species ranges from the Santa Cruz Mountains in central-west California to southwest Oregon. When I discovered this species in the San Franciscan Bay area, it was always found beneath logs nestled on streams that had run dry but still retained some degree of moisture. Even when captured they made no attempt to escape. Its slim body ranges from dark brown to bronze with dark-green or grey patches. Toe tips are rounded and the belly is lightish grey or sometimes cream.
Juveniles are of an identical pattern although they possess a distinct brown-bronze dorsal stripe.
It occurs in the vicinity of the Sacramento, White and Capitan Mountains of southern New Mexico occurring at altitudes ranging from 8,300 to 11,700 feet where it is generally more common on northern and western slopes. Due to its southerly distribution, its period of observable activity coincides with the rains from June to August. Clutches of eggs are deposited deep within sodden rotten wood that is 'punky' and almost ready to collapse. The smooth, plump body is brown to chocolate and often displays very small yellow spots. In the Farallon subspecies Aneides lugubris farallonensis , these spots are much more conspicuous.