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, ranging from New Jersey south to Florida and west into Louisiana and parts of Kentucky.
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. Populations are generally stable, though local threats include habitat loss from agricultural and urban development, as well as road mortality.
Physical Description
Exhibits bright orange to reddish-brown background coloration with prominent red, orange, or brownish blotches bordered in black along the back and sides. The belly features a distinctive black-and-white checkered pattern resembling Indian corn. The head is slightly distinct from the neck with dark spear-shaped or triangular markings, round pupils, and slightly weakly keeled scales.
Size & Dimensions
Estimated length of this adult specimen is roughly 120 cm. Typical adults range from 60 to 180 cm in total length.
Habitat
Found in overgrown fields, forest openings, trees, palmetto flatwoods, and abandoned or agricultural buildings. Elevation ranges from sea level up to around 600 meters.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on small rodents, birds, and bats. It is an active forager and constriction specialist, subduing prey by wrapping its body around it and squeezing.
Reproduction
Oviparous species. Females typically lay clutches of 10 to 30 eggs in decomposing vegetation, rotting logs, or underground burrows during the early summer months.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations are generally stable, though local threats include habitat loss from agricultural and urban development, as well as road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Frequently kept in captivity as a popular pet due to extensive morph variations. In the wild, they play an important ecological role in controlling rodent populations.
Notable Features
Renowned for their striking checkerboard belly patterns and exceptional climbing ability, allowing them to scale vertical trees and rough surfaces with ease.