The Rough Earth Snake inhabits the rocky hillsides of dry open woodlands and woodland edge. They are restricted to the Cherokee Plain and southern Osage Questas in Kansas, particularly the Chautauqua Hills area.
This snake is active from March to October. It spends the day beneath rocks and logs, or in leaf litter. During winter, it burrows deep beneath the ground to avoid cold temperatures.
They mate during April or May after emergence from winter activity. The female gives birth anytime from July to September. They prefer a diet of earthworms but also feed on slugs and snails.