being 50 to 80cm long but more slender and with smoother scales which can have a marbled effect. The back has two rows of darker markings in pairs which join together to form transverse bands. The underside is a mixture of browns, greys and russets. The sides have darker flecks and at the rear of the head is a dark V with the V open towards the rear. Their eyes have round pupils and there is a relatively thick dark stripe that extends from each nostril, through the eye, and along the side of the head to a little beyond the neck.

They can be found in most parts of France although they are absent or rare in most parts of the south west. They are generally at lower altitudes where they prefer dry, sunny open situations that also offer shelter; open forests, hedgerows, old stone walls, old quarries, roadsides and vineyards. Prey is mainly lizards, but they will also eat small mammals and baby snakes.