[1][2] This species was often believed to be the snake described by Richard Ligon in his "A True and Exact History of the Island of Barbadoes" (1657):[3] "Having done with Beasts and Birds, we will enquire what other lesser Animalls or Insects there are upon the Iland, of which, Snakes are the chiefe, because the largest; and I have seen some of those a yard and a halfe long.

[3][5][6][7] Habitat loss is believed to have caused its decline, particularly the land clearance and pesticide use associated with tree crops.

[8] It grew to a total length of 1 m (39 in), which included a tail 20 cm (7.9 in) long.

[9] It was colored brown with lighter sides, and light lateral stripes to the rear.

[10] It probably lived in mesic habitats, and actively foraged during the day for lizards and frogs.