The species feeds exclusively on vertebrates, mainly reptiles, and mostly long-bodied prey which are burrowers or live under rocks.

[3] Some aspects of its morphology and feeding habits suggest that it is not nocturnal, but rather lives under rocks.

[3] M. brevis is found on the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco.

[2] The natural habitats of M. brevis include evergreen temperate forests and Mediterranean-style scrubland.

[1] M. brevis is threatened by habitat loss, largely the result of agriculture, and faces some threat from the wild boar.