The specific name, hoogstraali, is in honor of American entomologist and parasitologist Harry Hoogstraal.

The snake's underbelly is grey and is covered with black spots.

[5] T. hoogstraali is found around the Sinai region, in Egypt and Israel, as well as Jordan.

[1] In Egypt, it is found in Santa Catarina and Gebel Maghara of northern Sinai Peninsula, while in Israel it can be found only in Negev Desert.

[1] T. hoogstraali can be found at an elevation of 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) in natural habitats such as subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, rocky areas, and hot deserts.