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 Texas.
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. Widely distributed and adaptable, though localized populations face threats from habitat loss, agricultural development, and road mortality.
Physical Description
Slender body with a patterned dorsal surface consisting of reddish-orange, brown, or grayish blotches outlined in dark borders. The head features a characteristic spear-point or dart-shaped marking on the crown. Scales are weakly keeled.
Size & Dimensions
The pictured specimen appears to be a very young juvenile, approximately 10 to 15 inches in length. Adult corn snakes typically reach lengths of 24 to 72 inches.
Habitat
Found in wooded groves, fields, forest openings, agricultural lands, and around abandoned buildings, from sea level up to elevations of over 6,000 feet. Prefers areas offering plenty of hiding spots such as logs, bark, and rock crevices.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on small rodents, lizards, amphibians, and occasionally birds or bats. Juveniles typically target smaller prey such as insects, small lizards, and newborn rodents. Uses constriction to subdue prey.
Reproduction
Oviparous species. Females typically lay clutches of 10 to 30 eggs in early summer, usually in decaying vegetation, rotting logs, or loose soil where warmth and moisture assist incubation.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Widely distributed and adaptable, though localized populations face threats from habitat loss, agricultural development, and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Commonly encountered in agricultural areas where they play an important beneficial role in natural rodent control. Extensively kept and bred in captivity, resulting in numerous captive morphs.
Notable Features
Known for their striking coloration variations and exceptional climbing abilities despite primarily spending time on the ground or under cover.