Corn Snake
Pantherophis guttatus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. 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: P. guttatus
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to their wide distribution, tolerance for habitat modification, and stable population trends, though local populations face threats from habitat loss and road mortality.
Physical Description
Characterized by orange, brown, or reddish-brown body coloration with prominent darker red or brownish blotches bordered in black along the back and sides. The belly features a distinct black-and-white checkerboard pattern. Head is slightly distinct from the neck with a spear-point or dart marking on top, and eyes feature round pupils.
Size & Dimensions
The pictured specimen appears to be a subadult or young adult around 2 to 3 feet in length. Adults typically range from 61 to 182 cm (24 to 72 inches).
Habitat
Found in overgrown fields, forest openings, trees, and abandoned or agricultural buildings. They prefer terrestrial and semi-arboreal habitats with plenty of cover, ranging from sea level up to regional elevations.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on small rodents, bats, birds, and bird eggs. They are active hunters and constrictors, subduing prey by wrapping their bodies around it and squeezing until circulatory arrest occurs.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females typically lay clutches of 10 to 30 eggs in decaying vegetation, rotting logs, or underground burrows during the early summer months, which hatch after approximately 60 to 65 days.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to their wide distribution, tolerance for habitat modification, and stable population trends, though local populations face threats from habitat loss and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Commonly encountered in agricultural areas where they play a vital ecological role in controlling rodent populations. They are also among the most popular captive-bred pet snakes in the world.
Notable Features
Known for being exceptional climbers, often found exploring elevated structures, trees, or storage boxes as seen in the photograph. They are popular subjects in herpetoculture.