Corn Snake
Pantherophis guttatus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. guttatus
Southeastern United States, spanning from southern New Jersey south to the Florida Keys and west to Louisiana and parts of Kentucky.
Look up Corn Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous
Danger Level
Harmless (Low Risk). They are not aggressive and their bite, while potentially startling, causes only minor surface scratches with no toxicity.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. guttatus
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN). Population is stable, though they face local threats from habitat loss and road mortality.
Physical Description
Orange or brownish-yellow ground color with large, dark-bordered red or orange dorsal blotches. The head often features a V-shaped mark. Pupils are round. Ventral surface typically has a black-and-white checkered pattern resembling Indian corn, and scales are weekly keeled.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image appears to be a sub-adult or small adult, roughly 2-3 feet long. Adults typically range from 24 to 72 inches (61 to 182 cm) in length.
Habitat
Terrestrial and semi-arboreal. Found in pine barrens, overgrown fields, forest openings, and frequently near human dwellings such as barns and grain silos. Elevation ranges from sea level to roughly 6,000 feet.
Behavior & Temperament
Generally docile and calm. Primarily crepuscular or nocturnal, especially in hot weather. They are skilled climbers and may vibrate their tails when threatened to mimic a rattlesnake.
Diet & Feeding
Active foragers that use constriction to kill prey. They primarily feed on rodents (mice, rats), birds, and occasionally bats or lizards.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay clutches of 10 to 30 eggs in late spring or early summer, which hatch after about 60 to 65 days. No parental care is provided after laying.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Often confused with the venomous Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), which has hourglass-shaped bands rather than blotches and slit-like pupils. Also resembles the Eastern Milk Snake, which has smoother scales and different head markings.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Population is stable, though they face local threats from habitat loss and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Highly valued in the pet trade due to their docile nature and varied color morphs. Ecologically vital for controlling rodent populations near agricultural areas.
Notable Features
Named 'Corn Snake' either for the checkered pattern on their belly resembling kernels of maize or for their frequent presence in corn granaries where they hunt mice.