[1][3] The specific name, sauteri, is in honor of German entomologist Hans Sauter (1871–1943).

[6] S. sauteri grows to 98 cm (39 in) in total length (including tail).

[3] The upper side of the body is dark brown or crimson, and has three black longitudinal stripes from neck to tip of tail, of which the mid-dorsal stripe is narrower than the lateral ones.

[3] S. sauteri may be found in forests or meadows in mountainous areas at lower or middle altitudes.

[1][2][3] S. sauteri is a rare species[3] protected by the law.