Corn Snake or Rat Snake
Pantherophis guttatus (or related Pantherophis species) • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. guttatus
North America, primarily found in the southeastern and central United States, extending from New Jersey south to Florida and west into Louisiana and parts of Kentucky.
Look up Corn Snake or Rat 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. Populations are generally stable, though local threats include habitat loss, fragmentation, and road mortality.
Physical Description
The visible specimen shows grey to light brown background coloration with darker, irregular blotches along the back and sides typical of rat snakes. The head is relatively distinct from the neck, showing dark markings near the eyes and crown, with round pupils and keeled or weakly keeled scales visible on parts of the body.
Size & Dimensions
The visible portion is relatively small, suggesting a juvenile or subadult specimen. Typical adults of the species range from 61 to 182 cm (24 to 72 inches) in total length.
Habitat
Found in a variety of habitats including forested regions, overgrown fields, agricultural lands, and around human habitations. They frequently utilize barns, abandoned buildings, and suburban areas, utilizing crevices and vertical structures.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on small rodents, mice, rats, birds, and bird eggs. Uses constriction to subdue live prey and is known as an active hunter that frequently climbs trees and structures.
Reproduction
Oviparous species that typically breeds in the spring. Females lay clutches ranging from 10 to 30 eggs in concealed, humid environments such as rotting logs, leaf litter, or beneath debris during early summer.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations are generally stable, though local threats include habitat loss, fragmentation, and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Highly valued in agricultural ecosystems for natural rodent control. Commonly kept in captivity within the pet trade due to manageable size.
Notable Features
Exceptional climbing ability, allowing them to navigate vertical window frames, screens, and trees with ease using specialized belly scales to grip rough surfaces.