Occurs mainly in arid coastal and desert border areas in San Diego Co., in Riverside Co. southwest of Palm Springs, in San Bernardino Co. from Cactus Flat in the San Bernardino Mts. Forages on seeds of forbs, grasses, and shrubs. Seeds are transported in cheek pouches and stored in and around the burrow. Some insects are eaten. Burrows are excavated in gravelly or sandy soil and used for daytime resting, predator escape, and care of young.
Water is obtained metabolically from leafy vegetation, seeds, and probably also from insects.
Moderate canopy coverage of arid shrubland or pinyon-juniper habitats on or near rocky slopes and sandy areas. Active year-round although surface activity reduced during cold spells. May. An average of 4 young comprise a litter. Predators include foxes, coyotes, badgers, owls, and snakes. Review of the recent mammal fauna of California.