[4] Phillips's kangaroo rat is a moderate-sized rodent with a small body and a long, banner-like tail.

There are blackish markings on the face and the tail has dark lateral stripes which join near the white tip.

Phillips' kangaroo rat forages on calm nights, even in frosty weather, but do not venture out during severe storms.

It appears these kangaroo rats sometimes share their burrows with the silky pocket mouse (Perognathus flavus).

[5] Little is known of the breeding habits of this kangaroo rat, but females containing two or three embryos were found in June and October, and, when attempts were made to trap the animal, juveniles were caught in seven months of the year.

[5] Phillips's kangaroo rat is common within its extensive range; the population is presumed to be large and seems to be stable.