- Because its primary distribution sits south of the border across western Mexico, it is considered a crown jewel for regional herpetologists
- The "Hook" nose features a unique, upturned, sharp-edged rostral scale on its snout ... this specialized adaptation functions like a small shovel, helping the snake burrow into loose gravelly or sandy soils
- It is a small, relatively stout snake, typically ranging from 6 to 14 inches (15–35 cm) in total length
- The dorsal pattern displays a striking combination of 19 to 55 dark, rectangular blotches down a cream or grayish-white spine, bordered by vibrant orange or red coloration on its sides ... a signature single dark bar marks the top of its head