Lycodon striatus is found in Afghanistan, India (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh), eastern and north-eastern Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, western Tajikistan, southern Turkmenistan (Kopet Dagh) and Uzbekistan.

[3] Lycodon striatus is dark brown or black above, with white transverse spots or crossbands, which are widely separated anteriorly.

The upper lip and ventrum are uniform white (coloration in alcohol).

The longest adult known to George Albert Boulenger in 1893 was 43 centimetres (17 in) in total length, with a tail 7.5 cm (3.0 in) long.

Two subspecies are recognised, including the nominate race:[3] Lycodon striatus prefers dry regions such as semideserts and forest edges.