Corn Snake
Pantherophis guttatus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: Pantherophis guttatus
Southeastern and central United States, extending from New Jersey south through 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
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations are generally stable, though local declines occur due to habitat loss and intentional killing.
Physical Description
The specimen displays characteristic dorsal blotches of reddish-brown or orange edged in black, set against a lighter gray or tan background. The head shows a spear-point or dart-shaped marking pointing toward the snout. Scales are weakly keeled.
Size & Dimensions
The photographed specimen appears to be a juvenile, approximately 30 to 45 cm in length. Adults typically range from 61 to 182 cm.
Habitat
Found in wooded groves, pine forests, agricultural fields, rocky hillsides, and around human habitations. They utilize ground cover, hollow logs, and abandoned buildings.
Diet & Feeding
Diet consists primarily of rodents, small birds, and bats. Juveniles frequently consume lizards and tree frogs. They are constrictors that hunt primarily by active foraging and ambushing prey.
Reproduction
Oviparous species. Females lay clutches typically ranging from 10 to 30 eggs in decaying vegetation or underground burrows during early summer, which hatch after roughly 60 to 65 days.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations are generally stable, though local declines occur due to habitat loss and intentional killing.
Cultural Significance
Highly popular in the pet trade due to striking color morphs. Ecologically valuable for controlling rodent populations in agricultural and residential areas.
Notable Features
Known for exceptional climbing ability and adapting well to human-altered environments. They have distinctive spear-like head markings and bright belly chequering.
Notes
Viera, Florida