Horsehair snake has a large head, a blunt snout, and a prominent snout edge. Eye alkali developed. The tympanic membrane is bare, with no shoulder pleats. The scales on the back of the body are ribbed and arranged in an imbricate shape. The tip of the back scales is backward. There is a row of flat and upright mane scales in the middle of the back, which is similar to a horse's mane, hence the name.