Telescopus snakes are 80-180 cm long and have a slightly flattened body, medium large eyes with vertical slits, and smooth dorsal scales. Most species are relatively drab but there are notable exceptions. There are usually 10-12 maxillary teeth separated from the grooved fangs at the rear. The anterior mandibular teeth are usually larger than those at the rear. They are regarded as mildly venomous, partly because the opisthoglyphous venom-delivery system is not as efficient as in other genera but, as with coloration, there are exceptions.
Most species eat small lizards, including geckoes, but some eat small birds, rodents, and amphibians.