P. cingendus occurs widely throughout southern Ireland, but in England and Wales it is markedly south-western and predominantly coastal.

In Ireland it occurs widely in rough grassland, hedgerows, open woodland, gardens, waste ground, etc. In Britain it is typically inhabits semi-natural coastal grassland.  It can be found beneath stones, dead wood or mat-forming plants, and within tussocks or amongst grass litter.  It is inevitably associated with P. muscorum (hence frequent confusion). 

This summary is based on the detailed account in Gregory (2009).