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, due to its wide distribution, tolerance for habitat modification, and stable population trends.
Physical Description
Slender body with a distinct head pattern featuring a spear-point or dart marking on top of the head. Ground color varies from light orange, grey, or brown, overlaid with large, dark-edged reddish-orange or brownish blotches along the back and smaller alternating spots along the sides.
Size & Dimensions
This specimen appears to be a juvenile, roughly 30 to 45 cm in length. Adults typically grow between 61 to 182 cm.
Habitat
Found in overgrown fields, forest openings, trees, and abandoned or agricultural buildings. Prefers terrestrial and semi-arboreal habitats with easy access to cover.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on small rodents, lizards, and amphibians. Juveniles often consume small lizards and pinkie mice. Uses constriction to subdue prey.
Reproduction
Oviparous, laying clutches of 10 to 30 eggs in early summer within decaying vegetation, logs, or underground burrows where moisture and warmth incubate them.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to its wide distribution, tolerance for habitat modification, and stable population trends.
Cultural Significance
Popular in the pet trade due to striking color morphs. Plays an important ecological role as a natural predator of agricultural rodent pests.
Notable Features
Known for their excellent climbing ability and complex head patterns that help camouflage them in leaf litter and rocky substrates.