Including the nominotypical subspecies, the following five subspecies are recognized:[3] It is found in southern Mexico, Central America, northern and central South America, and Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean.

[3] Adults may attain a maximum total length of 2.7 m (8.9 ft).

[3] Dorsally, S. pullatus is black with yellow spots which may form crossbands.

Ventrals 198-232; anal plate entire; subcaudals 90-120, divided.

It feeds on a wide variety of prey, including small mammals (such as rodents and bats),[4] birds, lizards, other reptiles, amphibians, and eggs.