[2] The distribution of P. johnsoni is bounded by the Great Plains, the Pacific Ocean, northern Mexico, and southern Canada.

It occurs from sea level to tree line, occupying relatively dry habitats such as coastal dunes or oak woodlands.

[3] This species constructs conspicuous tubular silken nests under rocks and wood on the ground and sometimes grape vines.

Most of the time they feed on prey about half their own size, but a range from 2 millimetres (0.079 in) to about 1 centimetre (0.39 in) has been observed.

Although found to feed on a wide variety of insects (e.g., flies, bugs and moth caterpillars and adults), they also prey heavily on spiders.