The area providing habitat for Riekoperla darlingtoni supports tall sclerophyll forest dominated by alpine ash (Eucalyptus delegatensis) with myrtle beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii) as a dominant understory tree species. The surrounding forest is dominated by mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans). It apparently occurs only in the area within of the summit of Mount Donna Buang, particularly on the southern slopes and is restricted to the small temporary streams which flow through forest dominated by alpine ash.