[6] The specific name, alleni, is in honor of American zoologist Joel Asaph Allen,[7] who collected the type specimen.

The striped crayfish snake is of "small medium" size,[8] 33–50 centimetres (13–20 in) in total length (including tail), with a heavy body.

[9] The stripes which contribute to its common name are indistinct and located on the dark dorsal side.

[12] The striped crayfish snake is active throughout the year except for the coldest months of winter.

When active, it typically can be found among the roots of aquatic vegetation, and on land beneath logs or organic litter.

Its teeth are small and very sharp, allowing it to grab and hold the hard outer covering of the crayfish.

Adults probably mate during the spring season, and the young are born alive during the late summer or autumn.