This snake is common throughout southern California especially in desert regions. They are listed as probable predators of side-blotched lizards by Ferguson et al. Individuals occasionally burrow in loose soil. Eggs are laid a few centimeters below the surface in loose soil, under surface objects or near the base of vegetation, or in abandoned mammal burrows. No information on water requirements.
Glossy snakes are most common in arid regions.
Standing water is not an important habitat element. Although some diurnal activity has been reported, glossy snakes are most active at night. Individuals are most commonly encountered in May and June in the south. In the interior Coast Ranges another activity peak occurs prior to the first rains of fall. Periods of winter inactivity occur at all localities.