Uses desert flats, or slopes, with sparse to moderate canopy coverages and sandy to gravelly substrates. Territory size less than home range. D. merriami may breed several times a year, although once is the norm. Reproductive activity begins as early as December, peaks in late March to April, and ends by summer. Females typically anestrous from July to September.
Females are capable of breeding shortly after weaning.
Other predators include snakes, owls, gray foxes and coyotes. Brown, J. H., and G. A. Lieberman. Resources utilization and coexistence of seed eating desert rodents in sand dune habitats. Chew, R. M., and B. B. Butterworth. Chew, R. M., and A. E. Chew.