Corn Snake
Pantherophis guttatus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: Pantherophis guttatus
Native to the southeastern and central regions of the United States, extending from New Jersey south to Florida and west into parts of Louisiana and Tennessee.
Look up Corn Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: Pantherophis guttatus
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to a wide distribution, tolerance for altered habitats, and stable populations.
Physical Description
Displays a pattern of dark blotches edged in black along a lighter grey or brownish-grey background. The head features a characteristic spear-point or dart-like marking pointing forward between the eyes. Scales are weakly keeled.
Size & Dimensions
The pictured specimen appears to be a juvenile, roughly 30 to 45 cm in length. Adults typically range from 61 to 182 cm (24 to 72 inches).
Habitat
Found primarily in wooded groves, forest openings, rocky hillsides, meadows, agricultural fields, and around abandoned or infrequently used buildings. Prefers areas with ample cover.
Diet & Feeding
Diet consists primarily of small rodents, lizards, and occasionally birds or bats. Juveniles typically target small lizards and tiny mice. They are constrictors that subdue prey by wrapping coils around it and squeezing.
Reproduction
Oviparous species. Females lay clutches of 10 to 30 eggs in concealed, humid locations such as beneath rotting logs, leaf litter, or underground burrows during the early summer months.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to a wide distribution, tolerance for altered habitats, and stable populations.
Cultural Significance
Extremely popular in the captive reptile pet trade, where numerous morphs (color and pattern mutations) have been selectively bred. Ecologically important for controlling rodent populations in agricultural and suburban areas.
Notable Features
Renowned for their climbing ability, often ascending trees and rocky surfaces in search of prey or resting spots.