The species' common name refers to the markings seen on the body of adult snakes: four dark stripes running along a yellowish brown body.[5] Juveniles, by contrast, have a dorsal series of dark brown blotches with alternating dark brown spots on the sides, all on a pale brown background.[3] A black line runs from the corner of the eye and the belly is cream to white with darker markings.[6] Adults can reach a length of 180 cm, rarely 200 cm.[7]