NOT venomous. Head slightly wider than neck, transitioning smoothly to the body, smooth scales, round pupils. Cylindrical body is red, black, and yellow/white in a pattern that does not extend across the belly. Yellow/white is always separated from the wider red sections by black. Typically 16 to 22 inches (41 to 56cm) in length. (J. R. Dixon and J. E. Werler, Texas Snakes: A Field Guide, University of Texas Press, 2000.)