There is a distinct white spot in front of the eye. The belly is uniform yellowish-green. The tail is very long, one-third of the total body length. The scales are keeled , and there are 19 dorsal scale rows at midbody. The pupil is round.
Juveniles are similar to that of adults.
In Florida, it occurs in the panhandle. Outside of Florida, it is found from eastern Louisiana north to southern Maine. Commonly found in pinelands, hardwood hammocks, cypress strands, prairies, marshes, streams, ponds, and bogs. The eastern ribbon snake is semiaquatic and active during the day. It is frequently found along the banks of canals and ditches, and around houses in residential areas.