Indo-Pacific: Red Sea south to Delagoa Bay, Mozambique and east to the Society Islands, French Polynesia. Often confused with Laticuda colubrina.

Broadly banded with black and white, sometimes with blotches, but may comprise additional species. Superficially resembles the venomous sea snake Laticauda colubrina, but is entirely harmless.

Adults occur in shallow sandy flats and seagrass beds. Benthic. Commonly seen hunting during the day.