Physical Description
The short-tailed snake is a small serpent averaging 36–51 cm (14-20 inches) in total length, with a record total length measurement of 65.4 cm (25¾ inches), and is perhaps as thin as a pencil. It is gray above with 50 to 80 dark blotches and may or may not have a yellow stripe running down the spine. The underside is white with dark brown blotches. It bears a more-than-superficial resemblance to other kingsnakes, especially the mole kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata), but can be distinguished by its smaller size and much more slender build. Also, Lampropeltis extenuatum has 6 upper labials, whereas kingsnakes (genus Lampropeltis) have 7 upper labials.
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