It is widely distributed throughout South America, as well as the Caribbean island of Trinidad.

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

S. sulphureus is a large snake, which can grow up to 3 metres (9.8 ft) in total length (including tail).

[3] Its venom is bimodal and can directly affect both mammal and reptile prey.

[4] Adults of S. sulphureus feed on small mammals, birds and other snakes (both venomous and non-venomous), while juveniles feed on lizards, mice and rats.