Occurs in grassy habitats associated with pinyon-juniper, short and mixed grass plains, mesquite grasslands, tall grass prairie, and oak uplands. Prefers prairie areas with sparse or moderate vegetation; various dry grassland habitats. Prefer sandy soils, but will live where clay content is high. Can also occur in rocky or gravelly areas with heavy soils. Has been found in irrigated cornfields.

This species is found from North Dakota southward through the Great Plains to Texas, south-eastern Arizona, and north-central Mexico. There are two disjunct populations: one in central Mexico, the other in the Baja Peninsula.

There are no known conservation measures specific to this species. However, there are several protected areas within its range.