C. scytalina is found in Southern Mexico, Central America, and Colombia.

Juveniles have a black head, a yellow or white nuchal crossband (collar), and a red body.

[4] Adults are uniform bluish black dorsally, and cream-colored ventrally.

[5] C. scytalina is a terrestrial animal which inhabits old-growth and second-growth forests and their borders.

Occasionally it is found in open areas in submontane and montane life zones.