Upper parts are grayish to cinnamon, with black markings forming streaks on the neck or elongated spots on the body. Tail exhibits incomplete banding. Spotting and banding extend to the outer surfaces of the limbs and onto the underparts which are white with occasional black spots. Largest of the small spotted cats.
Females are smaller.
Found in a wide range of habitats, from thorn forest to tropical moist forest. An opportunistic feeder, taking almost any animal it can overpower -birds, monkeys, reptiles, frogs, rodents. Feeds on the most abundant prey available to it, usually rodents. May prey on domestic animals if available, but does little damage because of rareness. Fixed territory, which it marks with excrement and scent, and defends against its own kind.