Corn Snake (Anerythristic morph)
Pantherophis guttatus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: Pantherophis guttatus
Native to the southeastern and central United States, ranging from New Jersey south to Florida and west to Louisiana and parts of Texas. Widely kept and bred in captivity globally.
Look up Corn Snake (Anerythristic morph) in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: Pantherophis guttatus
Conservation
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution, large population size, and adaptability to human-modified environments.
Physical Description
This specimen displays an anerythristic color morph, lacking red pigment, resulting in shades of grey, silver, brown, and charcoal markings. The pattern consists of blotches down the back and sides. The head is distinct from the neck with large eyes featuring round pupils, and the body scales are lightly keeled.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen appears to be a juvenile, roughly 40-50 cm in length. Typical adult size for the species ranges from 120 to 180 cm.
Habitat
Found in pine woods, hardwood forests, overgrown fields, agricultural land, and around abandoned buildings, from sea level up to regional elevations. Often seeks shelter beneath bark, logs, and rocks.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on small rodents, birds, and lizards. As an active nocturnal or crepuscular hunter, it subdues prey through constriction before swallowing it whole.
Reproduction
Oviparous species that typically breeds in the spring. Females lay clutches averaging 10 to 30 eggs in concealed, damp locations such as rotting logs or underground burrows, which hatch after approximately 60 to 65 days.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution, large population size, and adaptability to human-modified environments.
Cultural Significance
One of the most popular and commonly kept pet snakes in the world due to its wide variety of captive-bred color and pattern mutations.
Notable Features
Famous for their extensive variety of morphs in the pet trade, resulting from selective breeding that alters their natural coloration and pattern dramatically.