[1][2] The Mexican kingsnake is a smooth-skinned, slender, sub-cylindrical snake which is more flattened ventrally than most members of the genus Lampropeltis.

This snake has broad red saddle-shaped markings, bordered with black and separated by cream, brown or pinkish bars.

[6] The typical habitat of this snake is rocky hillsides, valleys and deserts in mountainous regions[4] as well as woodlands, oak forests and grassy areas.

[1] The Mexican kingsnake is a secretive, nocturnal species that is seldom seen, hiding under rocks and fallen trees by day.

It is sometimes misidentified as a venomous coral snake and killed by humans, but it otherwise faces no major threats.