It is commonly found throughout the Mediterranean region, ranging from southern Iberia to southwest and central Asia, hence the name.

Specimens from central Asia are also known by the binomial name Latrodectus lugubris; that name, however, is now considered improper, though it is still commonly found in the literature.

The Mediterranean widow primarily lives in steppes and other grasslands, and can be a significant problem in areas where grain is harvested by hand.

In Kazakhstan – where it has the common name karakurt (literally "black bug") – there are reports of this species biting and killing camels.

[8] Pioneering entomologist Jean Henri Fabre wrote of the spider's fearsome reputation in Corsica, where it is known as the malmignatte:I have seen her settle in the furrows, lay out her web and rush boldly at insects larger than herself; I have admired her garb of black velvet speckled with carmine-red; above all, I have heard most disquieting stories told about her.