This is a primitive snake known for both its highly iridescent scales and its ability to reproduce quickly, as it is oviparous and as such can lay up to 10 eggs at a time.

A fossorial species, the head is wedge-shaped and narrow with little neck delineation, which makes it easy to push through the soil.

Its most defining characteristic is its iridescent, highly polished scales that give this snake its common name.

[5] This is a primitive form of snake with both boid and python characteristics; which family it belongs to is still a matter of debate.

The diet is varied, consisting primarily of frogs, reptiles, including other snakes, and small mammals.