Dorsal ground color is pale brown. As many as 48 brown, dark-edged crossbands create the dorsal pattern, fewer on tail. Crossbands on head prominent.
Ventral color is cream.
This Hooknose inhabits shortgrass prairies near elevations of 2,500 feet. It is less common in the oak-juniper savannahs of the Edward's Plateau. This is a slow moving snake and a skillful burrower. Typically found under rocks. It is not likely to bite humans if captured.