The elusive blunt-nosed leopard lizard is diurnal, emerging from the refuge of a small mammal burrow in the morning to bask in the sun (5) (7). Each lizard will use several burrows, and will even construct a simple, shallow burrow of its own where mammals are scarce (5) (7).
The blunt-nosed leopard lizard is an agile predator, being able to leap up to 60 centimetres in order to catch prey in mid-air (7). It is generally opportunistic, stalking and feeding on prey that is both abundant and easily-caught. Its diet typically consists of insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, bees, wasps and ants (7) (8). It is also known to feed on lizards, including young of its own species, as well as plant matter (8).
The adult blunt-nosed leopard lizard emerges from a period of dormancy, known as brumation, in early April. Reproductive activity begins within the month and can continue up until the end of June (5) (7). The male will defend a territory and mate with any receptive females within it. The female will lay a clutch of eggs in a chamber of a burrow, and can produce between one and six eggs at any one time (2). The number of eggs produced is thought to be related to body size (7). The female usually lays one clutch per year, but this can increase when environmental conditions are favourable (2).
The young blunt-nosed leopard lizards hatch after about two months, from early July until late August, and remain active until October or early November (2) (7). They then enter a period of dormancy in an underground burrow until the following spring (5). The blunt-nosed leopard lizard has been known to live for up to almost five years, but a lifespan of around two years is more normal (2).