A. affinis is found throughout much of the European mainland, in Great Britain and in North Africa, where this fossorial spider typically inhabit dry heathland, open pine forest, meadows, grassland and the base of rocky outcrops.

[1][2] It is the only mygalomorph spider in the Nordics and the United Kingdom, but this species, which prefers relatively warm temperatures, is uncommon and localised in both those regions at the northern edge of its range.

[3][4] In the United Kingdom, where the species is local and has declined, most records are from southern England, but it also ranges into Wales and north to far southwestern Scotland.

[1][5] Because of its hidden lifestyle, it is easily overlooked, although adult males can be seen wandering for a short period when they search for females and may be caught in pitfall traps.

The female lays her egg sac inside the tube and the spiderlings hatch out the following summer, remaining with their mother for nearly another year after that.