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
Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List, with widespread populations and stable numbers, though localized habitat loss occurs.
Physical Description
Displays a striking pattern of reddish-orange or brownish blotches bordered in black, set against a lighter gray or background color. The head shows a characteristic spear-point or dart marking. The body is slender and slightly flattened laterally, with weakly keeled scales.
Size & Dimensions
This specimen appears to be a juvenile measuring approximately 30 to 45 cm in length. Adults typically range from 61 to 182 cm.
Habitat
Found in wooded groves, rocky hillsides, meadowlands, woodlots, and abandoned or cultivated fields. Prefers terrestrial microhabitats under bark, logs, and other debris.
Diet & Feeding
Diet consists primarily of rodents, small birds, and bats. They are active searchers and ambush predators that subdue prey via constriction.
Reproduction
Oviparous species, laying clutches of 10 to 30 eggs typically in late spring or early summer within rotting vegetation or underground cavities.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) due to the patterned saddle markings, but corn snakes lack vertical pupils, facial pits, and have a distinctly different head shape.
Conservation Status
Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List, with widespread populations and stable numbers, though localized habitat loss occurs.
Cultural Significance
Extremely popular in the pet trade due to docile temperament and vibrant color morphs, and plays a vital agricultural role by controlling rodent populations.
Notable Features
Renowned for their remarkable climbing ability and gentle demeanor, making them one of the most studied and kept colubrid species globally.