Cantareus apertus is native to Europe primarily near the Mediterranean Sea, and also North Africa.

It has also been introduced to other areas: This species is already established in the United States, and is considered to represent a potentially serious threat as a pest, an invasive species which could negatively affect agriculture, natural ecosystems, human health or commerce.

[3] Cantareus apertus inhabits Mediterranean shrublands, near cultivated fields, gardens.

[3] In Gavdos (Greece) also in woodland spreading on recently abandoned cultivated fields, more rarely in natural habitats.

[3] In hot, dry weather, it burrows three to six inches[citation needed] into the ground and becomes dormant until rain softens the soil.