Dorsal color ranges from gray to olive. No dorsal markings are usually present, but faint cross bars may be present on the back.
Ventral surface is yellow to orange and unmarked.
A darker blotched dorsal pattern is often seen. The full blotched pattern sometimes fades and lighter crossbars with dark borders are all that remain. The ventral surface is yellow to orange and unmarked. In North America, Nerodia erythrogaster is found from Maryland to eastern New Mexico. In Texas, it is found throughout most of the state.