Adults grow to a length of approximately 4 inches making them the smallest species of this genus. Coloration is distinctive; a long narrow yellow or orange-red dorsal stripe overlaying bleached white spots or a continuous band on a black background. The venter (underside) is whitish or orange-red, and may have black markings. A large white patch between the eyes narrows as it reaches the snout tip. Behind each orbit is a yellow blotch which runs toward the jaw. Legs have orange-red, black, and white markings. The sexes can be differentiated by the anatomy of the cloaca, with the male having an enlarged, rounded cloacal region, and the female having a volcano-shaped cloaca. However, these differences are clearly visible only during the breeding season. Outside of the breeding season, it may be impossible to distinguish between the sexes.