Populations are also known from most of the Channel Islands. Occurs most commonly in valley-foothill habitat types, mixed chaparral, and in open areas of mixed conifer forest. Cannibalism has been reported. Cover is provided by surface objects such as rocks, logs, dense vegetation, and human debris. Refuge may also be taken in crevices and rock fissures.
Individuals occasionally burrow in loose soil around or under surface objects such as flat rocks.
This species sometimes climbs in dense, shrubby vegetation. Little is known about specific habitat requirements for courtship, mating, and egg-laying in this lizard. Nussbaum et al. No information on water requirements. This lizard occurs in areas of low rainfall and often far from any source of standing water.