Prey capture results from waiting for prey and active searching of ground, rocky areas and off the ground in bushes. This snake occurs in rocky areas and in dense vegetation. Water is probably not required. This snake occurs in a wide variety of arid and semiarid habitats that provide dense vegetation or rocky cover. Early in the year it is active during the day but as daytime temperatures increase it becomes active later in the evening.
Nothing is known.
Copulation occurs in March and April, with egg development requiring approximately 4 months. The young are born from mid-August to October. Its close relative Crotalus viridis is sympatric with it in coastal areas, and they may compete. California Press, Berkeley. Stebbins, R. C. 1954.