The species is endemic to the southeastern United States, and preys mainly on crayfish.

[3] Adults of L. rigida are on average 16 inches (about 41 cm) in total length (including tail), and are heavy-bodied.

[4] The maximum recorded total length for this species is 31+3⁄8 inches (80 cm).

The ventral surface of the tail may have a median black line, or it may be unmarked.

[2] Nota bene: A trinomial authority in parentheses indicates that the subspecies was originally described in a genus other than Liodytes.