Corn Snake (or Eastern Milksnake variant)
Pantherophis guttatus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. guttatus
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 (or Eastern Milksnake variant) 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, with stable populations across much of its native range, though local threats include habitat loss and road mortality.
Physical Description
Displays a patterned dorsal surface featuring dark, saddle-like blotches bordered in black, set against a lighter grayish-brown background. The head shows distinct spear-point or spade-shaped markings. Scales are weakly keeled.
Size & Dimensions
Estimated specimen length is around 60 to 90 cm (juvenile to subadult). Typical adult size ranges from 61 to 182 cm.
Habitat
Found in wooded groves, rocky hillsides, meadowlands, woodlots, and abandoned or agricultural fields. Prefers terrestrial microhabitats beneath debris, logs, and bark.
Diet & Feeding
Predominantly feeds on small rodents, birds, and bats. Employs constriction as a hunting strategy, actively foraging or ambushing prey.
Reproduction
Oviparous, laying clutches typically ranging from 12 to 30 eggs in concealed, damp locations during early summer.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, with stable populations across much of its native range, though local threats include habitat loss and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Extremely popular in the captive reptile pet trade due to captive breeding color morphs, and plays a beneficial role in controlling agricultural rodent pests.
Notable Features
Known for excellent climbing abilities and a high degree of variation in color and pattern morphs in captive-bred populations.