The Queen snake is a smaller more slender species of snake. It can reach length on average between 15-24 inches (38.1-61cm) and has been recorded at 37in (94cm) long. These snakes coloration ranges greatly, from olive to tan to dark brown to even black with three darker dorsal stripes that run the length of the body. Their  base ventral color can be yellowish cream, which includes the bottom jaw. Laterally, there is a light cream stripe that goes all along the bottom half of each lateral side. Along the belly are four dark brown to black stripes, two outer thicker stripes and two thinner in the middle, that run the length of the body and fade towards the tail. The scales on the dorsal side, or back of this snake, are keeled. This means that each scale has a ridge on top that runs lengthwise.