The javelin sand boa is moderately stout with a short tail, smooth scales and a head that terminates in a pointed rostral scale for digging. The eyes are small with vertical pupils. It is generally gray to gray-brown, darker above than on the flanks, with an irregular pattern of darker brown or orange transverse bars, which may coalesce to form a zigzag pattern or vertebral stripe. Males have larger cloacal spurs than females.