Corn Snake (or Red 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 into Louisiana and parts of Kentucky.
Look up Corn Snake (or Red 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 a wide distribution, tolerance for habitat modification, and large stable populations, though local populations face threats from habitat fragmentation and road mortality.
Physical Description
Displays a pattern of large, reddish-orange or brownish blotches outlined in black along a lighter orange, gray, or brownish background. The belly features a distinctive black and white checkerboard pattern. Head has a characteristic spear-point or dart-like marking between the eyes.
Size & Dimensions
This specimen appears to be a juvenile or sub-adult, roughly 40-60 cm long. Typical adults reach lengths of 61 to 182 cm (24 to 72 inches).
Habitat
Found in overgrown fields, forest openings, trees, and abandoned or agricultural buildings. Prefers terrestrial and semi-arboreal microhabitats with plenty of cover such as leaf litter, logs, and debris.
Diet & Feeding
Predominantly feeds on small rodents, birds, and bats. Employs an active foraging strategy and subdues prey primarily via constriction before swallowing them whole.
Reproduction
Oviparous species. Females typically lay clutches of 12 to 30 eggs in late spring or early summer, usually in rotting vegetation, decaying logs, or loose soil where warmth and moisture assist incubation.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to a wide distribution, tolerance for habitat modification, and large stable populations, though local populations face threats from habitat fragmentation and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Highly valued in agriculture and suburban areas as an effective natural pest control agent targeting mice and rats. Also one of the most popular captive-bred pet snakes in the world.
Notable Features
Known for their excellent climbing ability and complex genetic morphs developed through selective captive breeding.