Splachnum ampullaceum is a member of a family unique among the mosses because of specialized substrate requirements and mode of spore dispersal. Steere listed the odd habitat specialization and capsule structure in this family, the Splachnaceae, as representing one of four distinct evolutionary lines in mosses. Numerous taxa in the family are restricted to the dung of mammals, organically enriched soils, or other organic debris, such as skeletal remains or regurgitated stomach pellets of owls. The spores of a number of taxa are apparently transported by flies. S. ampullaceum is normally limited to cold temperate latitudes.