Forages on open ground and beneath shrubs. The closely related Great Basin pocket mouse is more common in denser shrub habitats. A nest of dried grass is built in a chamber of the underground burrow. No data found. Probably does not require free water.
Current pattern is unclear.
Aestivates in very hot weather, and hibernates in very cold weather. No data found. Reproduction of related P. parvus is March to April, with peak in June. Gestation likely 21-28 days. Litter size ranges 3-8 with average of 5.