M. cucullatus is found in Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Portugal, Spain, and Tunisia.

Macroprotodon cucullatus is a small snake, usually not exceeding 55 cm (21+3⁄4 in) in total length (including tail).

[4] The natural habitats of M. cucullatus are temperate forests, temperate shrubland,[5] subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, freshwater spring, rocky areas, sandy shores, arable land, pastureland, plantations, rural gardens, and urban areas.

Two to six eggs are laid in a damp spot under a stone, buried in the soil or hidden in dense vegetation.

[4] M. cucullatus possesses a mild venom, which is delivered by means of enlarged grooved teeth in the upper jaw.