This black headed snake not only has a blck head cap but also a light band (or collar) across rear of head, followed in turn by a black band 3 to 5 scales wide. Rest of dorsum is plain brown or reddish brown; belly white or with a pinkish or yellowish tinge. Dark pigment usually extends downward from the head cap to or almost to the mouth, both under the eye and near back of head. Scales smooth; anal divided.