It is a shiny, dark semiaquatic snake, usually measuring 14-24 inches (36–61 cm).

The bottom of the snake is a cream-yellowish color, with small patterns similar to half-moons.

This snake also has very rough scales, thought to aid in defence against its main food source, crayfish.

However, when their main food source is scarce, they can resort to frogs, salamanders, small fish, and dragonfly larva.

The glossy crayfish snake is found in the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States from eastern Virginia to eastern Texas but is absent from the southern portion of peninsular Florida.