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This genus includes several species of snakes of somewhat small size, rarely exceeding 700 millimetres in length, with an elongate, cylindrical body; the head is scarcely distinct from the neck, the pupil round, and the tail short, while the nostril is situate between two nasal shields. The temporal shields are arranged in a single row. The poison-glands sometimes extend into the abdominal cavity. Scales in 13 or 15 rows; 190–260 ventrals, 12–44 subcaudals in 2 rows.

Four species belonging to this genus are known:—

(1) H. calligaster.—2 + 3 temporal scales, 6 supralabials.

Colour purple, with black transverse bands separated by narrow white bars; belly and end of tail red; snout yellow, with a black band on the upper lip below the eyes.

Total length, 520 millimetres; tail 30.

Habitat: Philippine Islands.

(2) H. collaris.—No anterior temporal scales.

Colour black on the back, with black and red bands on the belly; a yellow collar on the occiput.

Total length, 430 millimetres; tail 15.

Habitat: Philippine Islands.

(3) H. nigrescens.—Scales in 13 rows. A single temporal scale; 218–251 ventrals; 33–44 subcaudals.

Belly uniformly red; upper lip yellow in front of and behind the eyes.

Total length, 1,100 millimetres; tail 115.

Habitat: Hills of Western India, from Bombay to Travancore.

(4) H. japonicus.—Scales in 13 rows; 190–216 ventrals; 28–29 subcaudals; temporals 1 + 1.

Colour red on the back, with 1–5 black bands crossed by other black bands edged with yellow. Snout and sides of head black. Belly yellow, with large black spots alternating with black transverse bands.

Total length, 520 millimetres; tail 40.

Habitat: Loo Choo Islands.