Isolated populations exist at Sutter Buttes in the Sacramento Valley, in the Coast Ranges along the entire length of the state, in the mountains of southern California, and in the desert mountains of Inyo County. A wide variety of other insects, as well as spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions, and other arthropods are also taken. Cannibalism has been reported. They also hide in mammal burrows, rock crevices, and under surface objects.
Individuals bask on the ground, on low branches of bushes, on low boulders.
Mammal burrows and rock crevices may serve as hibernation sites during cold periods. Eggs are laid a few centimeters deep in nests dug in loose soil by the female. No information on water requirements. Does not require permanent water. Activity is almost exclusively diurnal.