Corn Snake (specifically a variety of Red Corn Snake or Rat Snake)
Pantherophis guttatus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: Pantherophis guttatus
Southeastern United States, ranging from New Jersey south to Florida and west to Louisiana and parts of Kentucky. They are particularly abundant in Florida and the Southeast coastal plain.
Look up Corn Snake (specifically a variety of Red Corn Snake or Rat Snake) in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: Pantherophis guttatus
Conservation
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. They face threats from habitat loss and road mortality but remain widespread and common throughout most of their range.
Physical Description
Slender body with circular pupils and smooth or weakly keeled scales. Features a distinct 'V' or 'spear' shaped marking on the top of the head. Ground color is typically tan to orange with large, dark-edged reddish dorsal blotches. The belly usually has a black-and-white 'checkerboard' pattern.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen shown appears to be a juvenile based on the head proportions. Adults typically range from 24 to 72 inches (61 to 182 cm) in length, with an average around 3-4 feet.
Habitat
Terrestrial and semi-arboreal. Found in overgrown fields, forest openings, palmetto flatwoods, and abandoned buildings. They are common in suburban areas and around agricultural sites where rodents are plentiful.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily an active forager that hunts rodents, small birds, and occasionally lizards. They are powerful constrictors, coil-wrapping prey to stop blood flow before swallowing.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females typically lay 10 to 30 eggs in late spring or early summer in rotting vegetation or other moist, warm sites. Hatchlings emerge after about 60-70 days.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with the Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) due to color. Copperheads have hourglass-shaped bands and vertical pupils. Also resembles the Eastern Rat Snake and the Prairie Kingsnake.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. They face threats from habitat loss and road mortality but remain widespread and common throughout most of their range.
Cultural Significance
One of the most popular snakes in the pet trade due to their temperament and variety of color morphs. Ecologically vital for controlling rodent populations near human dwellings and agriculture.
Notable Features
Often referred to as 'rat snakes,' the name 'Corn Snake' is believed to originate from the checkerboard pattern on the belly resembling kernels of Indian corn, or because they were frequently found near corn granaries hunting mice.