The species Ophiomorus kardesi was described by Kornilios et al. (2018) for the Anatolian genetic lineage identified as Ophiomorus punctatissimus by Poulakakis et al. (2008). Although no morphological differences have been identified, Speybroeck et al. (2020) concluded that the genetic divergence and divergence time (around 10 mya) warranted recognising O. kardesi as a distinct species.

These latter authors note that this work revealed several additional mitochondrial lineages within O. punctatissimus and that further study is needed to clarify the taxonomic status of these.

This species is endemic to Europe, where it occurs in Greece on the Peloponnese Peninsula and on two adjacent islands. It is assessed as Least Concern despite limited information on threats in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a threatened category.

This species is endemic to Europe, where it occurs in Greece on the Peloponnese Peninsula and on the Greek islands of Kythira and Elafonisos (Broggi 2016) in the Aegean Sea, off the southern tip of the Peloponnese Peninsula (Kornilios et al. 2018). A 19th Century record from Attica has not subsequently been confirmed, and the only known mainland localities outside the Peloponnese are Palaiopyrgos village (Aitoloakarnania) (Chondropoulos and Papandropoulos 1996), about 16 km from Peloponnese on the Greece mainland, and Iraion (Corinth), immediately adjacent to the main range (Kornilios et al. 2018, Annousis et al. 2021); neither locality mapped. These latter authors consider it doubtful that the species ever occurred in Attica, but note that its presence "cannot be ruled out with certainty" due to its cryptic habits. There are no other records from Aitoloakarnania. This is a lowland species occurring up to 800 m asl.

This species can be highly abundant but is "hardly ever" found out of hiding and is hard to find in warmer parts of the year (Speybroeck et al. 2016), so may appear scarcer than it is.

This species burrows in soil and can be found hiding under stones. It occurs in open areas of grassland, scrubland, and low vegetation with loose soil. Its typical habitat consists of "olive groves with grassy undergrowth and scattered stones" (Speybroeck et al. 2016). It may be active year-round in suitable conditions in lowland areas, but is typically active between February and November (Speybroeck et al. 2016). Females lay two to four eggs in loose soil beneath rocks (Speybroeck et al. 2016).

Any threats to this species are not well known. It is unlikely that there are major threats given its habitat preferences, but more research is needed.

There is no significant use of or trade in this species.

The species is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention, and is listed under Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It has been recorded from a few protected areas.

Further enforcement of protected areas in which this species occurs in Greece is needed. There is a need for more taxonomic studies. More research is needed to better understand the biology of this species and any threats to which it may be exposed.