Adults are tan to reddish brown with a black head and chin. There is a light band on the back of the head, and a black band 3-5 scales wide extending onto the back of the neck. The belly may be uniform white, yellow, or pinkish. The scales are smooth , and there are 15 dorsal scale rows at midbody. The pupil is round.
Juveniles are similar to that of adults.
Richard Bartlett photo. The light band on the head is followed by a prominent dark band on the neck. In Florida, it is found in the panhandle. Outside of Florida, it is found from Louisiana to Virginia. Uncommon, found around sandhills, pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and swamps.