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 to 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, due to a wide distribution, tolerance of human-altered habitats, and stable population trends.
Physical Description
Slender body with a pattern of dark-edged reddish or brownish blotches set against a lighter gray, tan, or orange background. A distinctive spear-shaped or arrowhead marking is often visible on the top of the head. Scales are weakly keeled.
Size & Dimensions
The pictured specimen appears to be a juvenile, approximately 12 to 18 inches long. Adults typically reach lengths of 61 to 182 cm (24 to 72 inches).
Habitat
Found in wooded groves, pine forests, agricultural fields, rocky hillsides, and around abandoned or infrequently used buildings. They are primarily terrestrial but can climb trees and structures.
Diet & Feeding
Predominantly feeds on rodents, small mammals, birds, and occasionally bats or lizards. Active foragers that use constriction to subdue their prey.
Reproduction
Oviparous species, laying clutches of 10 to 30 eggs in early summer (June or July) inside rotting logs, leaf litter, or underground burrows. Incubation lasts approximately 60 to 65 days.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to a wide distribution, tolerance of human-altered habitats, and stable population trends.
Cultural Significance
Extremely popular in the captive reptile pet trade due to their manageable size. In the wild, they play a crucial ecological role in controlling rodent populations.
Notable Features
Known for their striking color morphs in captivity. Their pattern provides effective camouflage against forest leaf litter and pine straw.
Notes
On the porch